I joined Toastmasters

[Angelique]

Went to my first meeting this last Saturday and decided to go ahead and join then. I was going to wait until I'd visited a few times, to make sure it was a good fit but as soon as I walked in everyone was super friendly and personable so I just did it.

I didn't do it so much to get over the fear of public speaking although it's a little intimidating. I did it so that I can build my courage to be more authentic and to be more organized in my communication. I'm pretty sucky at putting my true self out there most of the time and am looking to change that.

Got invited to participate in the impromptu mini-speech contest. (They call it "Table Topics") It was a rush. I was waaaaaaaaay more nervous than I had anticipated. My legs were shaking! But it was alright and I ended up winning the contest, which was nice. I think they were partially biased to the newbie going up there though. Some people even said I seemed comfortable up there. Ha! I could have sworn they saw my legs violently convulsing....

So I'll update this post now and then as I go along, in case anyone's thinking of going.

[dulaney0330]

I've been thinking of going but still don't want to go through all that anxiety...

nice post and keep us updated!

[Curtis2011]

Sounds like fun. I will find a Toastmasters club after I settle down about a year from now.

[Angelique]

I went today and got to participate in the process. It's a lot funner than I thought it would be. Everyone has a great sense of humor. Now that I met some people I wasn't as nervous and things seemed to flow better.
Signed up for my first speech next week. There's a nice adrenaline rush to this whole thing that I'm loving. Very much like riding a rollercoaster (which scare me to death, but I still love them...even the 'lame' ones scare me lol). Afterwards I'm like, "Whoo! Let's do it again."

@dulaney: They encourage you like crazy, but they still let you learn at your own pace. Plus, you can participate in the agenda without giving a speech (at least that's the way it is for my club..). For instance, there's someone that times the speeches and announces the speech time length to everyone. I think you should go for it and feel it out. You'll feel stronger.

[ChrisL]

I was in Toastmaster's for a few years to become more authentic, have fun, and hone some skills for being a trainer. I really recommend it for anyone who wants to feel supported, master various skills, and spread your wings.

One of the really cool things about TM is how they try to make you feel at home in whatever role you have for that night. Acceptance is a big thing in TM. Also, especially as a newbie giving speeches, they will give feedback in the "sandwich" technique, where they give you positve feedback first, then something which you might need to work on, then ending with positive feedback. I've watched one guy who stuttered over 20 times in his first speech, get a glowing review from his evaluator, which in turn inspired him to go into the speaking competitions within a year! People really can take off.

Find a club where there are some great speakers - and a great sense of humor - because you really pick up a lot from them. Also, if at some point you feel courageous enough, try entering the speaking competitions, because again, you will learn exponentially, especially from your fellow competitors. Have fun!

[Angelique]

Originally Posted by ChrisL

I was in Toastmaster's for a few years to become more authentic, have fun, and hone some skills for being a trainer. I really recommend it for anyone who wants to feel supported, master various skills, and spread your wings.

One of the really cool things about TM is how they try to make you feel at home in whatever role you have for that night. Acceptance is a big thing in TM. Also, especially as a newbie giving speeches, they will give feedback in the "sandwich" technique, where they give you positve feedback first, then something which you might need to work on, then ending with positive feedback. I've watched one guy who stuttered over 20 times in his first speech, get a glowing review from his evaluator, which in turn inspired him to go into the speaking competitions within a year! People really can take off.

Find a club where there are some great speakers - and a great sense of humor - because you really pick up a lot from them. Also, if at some point you feel courageous enough, try entering the speaking competitions, because again, you will learn exponentially, especially from your fellow competitors. Have fun!

Thank you for all the advice! Like your website too, very informative.

[Angelique]

I gave my first speech today. I was so nervous about this speech mainly because I had to talk about myself and I actually spoke about things that mattered to me. Got some awesome feedback and was surprised about a couple of unconscious things I was doing like looking up at the ceiling while I gathered my thoughts. It was a good rush and I can't wait to do my next one. Was actually looking forward to doing my next speech right away, but there were enough speakers already. But, I signed up to give jokes so I'm happy about that.

I can reiterate enough how much I'm surprised that I would enjoy this. I guess on some level I felt too nerdy about it. I mean, I do 'nerdy' stuff all the time, but it's never out in the open like this.

[dulaney0330]

Sounds like things are going so well for you!

Question..do you feel more comfortable speaking to others, especially strangers, as a whole?

I am looking to strengthen my public speaking skills but also just speaking well in general.

thanks!

[Angelique]

@dulaney: I haven't seen the change in that area too much, but it's still early. But I do have to mention that I have been working on any kind of social nervousness for years and am consistently putting myself out there, so that may be why I don't see a difference yet.

I am seeing a difference in my communication already though. I notice I'm getting better about expressing what I really think instead of what people want to hear. My guard is down a bit, even on my few forum postings.

I added another variable that's probably helping too. After re-reading Steve's article about 'Failure Germaphobes' I've been taking baby steps on failing on purpose. Namely, baby steps on starting conversations with guys that I feel are out of my league. So, that probably has something to do with it. I was uneasy at first, but now it's like a game on how many 'failures' I can rack up.

[ChrisL]

Congrats on the first speech Angelique! It does get easier. And thanks for the website compliment - it's all going to get re-designed.

One thing that helped me to get through the initial nervousness in speaking is to make your message more important than you. Don't care so much about how others see you, if they are accepting you, etc. Find fun ways to get your message across, give examples, use illustrations, involve the audience if you like, have fun! I'm sure your mentor and the TM club is helping with all of this.

I like your concept of failing on purpose to get over the fear of it! I used that when I was learning hypnotherapy. I asked to do everything wrong in one session so that I could relax about it (i.e. you're feeling tense, spinning out of control, etc). The student I was working with thought it was funny -actually everyone did. And it worked - well, not in hypnotizing the student but in making me less nervous.

On chatting with guys, or anyone you might feel uncomfortable with - start with really accepting yourself before you even talk with them. Just marinate in acknowledging yourself for a few minutes, then slide into a conversation from there. Then find ways to acknowledge others when they're speaking - and let us know how it goes.

[Mounds]

I decided to check out Toastmasters last night as well. I must say, I see some serious potential here for growth. I had a chance at Table Topics last night but I passed (kicked myself in the ass for that one) and next week I'm hopefully going to get another chance.
There's a guy that's been there since February and I couldn't believe how well this guy speaks. I wonder if I'll see improvement that fast?

-Tim

[TheSpaceBetweenTheStars]

I read this post as 'toadmasters' and started searching the internet on information about being master of toads before I realized my mistake.

Anyhow, I eventually found the Toastmasters site Looks like an interesting idea, though I prefer the idea of an open debate team to learn how to talk in front of people and get your point across. Some of the stuff about requirements makes Toastmasters seem a bit elistist - some of the best public speakers I've known have been some of the least 'educated' (in terms of official qualifications).

I think being master of toads would be awesome *contented at happy idea*

[TheTimeisNow]

I joined Toastmasters last year through a colleague of mine at my current job. I had thought of joining for years, but I am so glad I finally did it. Everyone was so nice and now I am getting ready to do my fourth speech and I am one of the club officers. I think Toastmasters is a great way to "get out there" and can benefit you personally and professionally. The magazine is also very nice with inspiring articles.

[Angelique]

Just came back from a meeting. When I joined I thought I would just be speaking my way forward. Pretty simple, but each time I go I am part of the organization of the meeting in some way. There are different roles I play when I go to the meeting. It's not just about speaking it's also about being a mentor to others for their speaking as well. I am enjoying these roles just as much.

I am excited because I just found out there are different manuals available to me. So if there's a certain type of speaking I would like to focus on, I can. For instance, there are manuals for salesmanship, humorous speeches, informative speaking and so on.

I'm surprised to feel so confident after only about a month and a half (about 5 meetings, I think). Preparation is key. If don't prepare enough (for a speech or a role) it feels like I'm in school again and I forgot my homework.

P.S.- Today, I won a second award for Table Topics (impromptu 1-2 minute speech). Yay!

[Angelique]

Originally Posted by TheSpaceBetweenTheStars

I read this post as 'toadmasters' and started searching the internet on information about being master of toads before I realized my mistake.
...
I think being master of toads would be awesome *contented at happy idea*

This cracks me up every time I read it!!
I like your idea, Master Toad.

[Angelique]

Wow! I'm so motivated right now. Just gave my second speech today. I wrote this speech in about 20-30 minutes because I am so enamored with the topic. It was a million times easier when that happened. I got so inspired. I received so much positive feedback and I'm amazed at how well I did because I was so passionate about my subject matter.

I have done Steve's life purpose exercise several times throughout the last few months and have been having trouble defining what I'm here to do. Toastmasters may just be the portal to gaining more clarity for my life's mission.

I had the privilege to speak with a higher up in the organization who had tons of useful information to offer me. I wasn't aware of all the possibilities within the club and now that I know, I'm so excited! He also gave me several tips on how to network and what to say to whom, very useful information.

I have to go now, but I just wanted to write this really quick for anyone that is thinking of doing it. You might be very nervous but I have found so much value within this club in only 2 months. Gotta go!!!

[Martin S]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

I've been thinking of going but still don't want to go through all that anxiety...

nice post and keep us updated!

Dulaney, may I just point out that you are being incredibly silly and unreasonable. Just do it! ;-)

[Desir15]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

Sounds like things are going so well for you!

Question..do you feel more comfortable speaking to others, especially strangers, as a whole?

I am looking to strengthen my public speaking skills but also just speaking well in general.

thanks!

I work in sales and talking to people is my job. I did a toastmasters course and it tauhgt me sooo much the most important thing is to be relaxed and confident. I would recomend you to join because no one is judgemental everyone is trying to imporve and you grow as a person.

Everything in this life is a conversation. Whether your dealing with your family or with business and the most important conversation is the one you have with yourself everyday. Language is how we express ourselves and how we form perception in this world that is why we have to improve it anyway we can.

[seunkilanko]

Originally Posted by Angelique

Went to my first meeting this last Saturday and decided to go ahead and join then. I was going to wait until I'd visited a few times, to make sure it was a good fit but as soon as I walked in everyone was super friendly and personable so I just did it.

I didn't do it so much to get over the fear of public speaking although it's a little intimidating. I did it so that I can build my courage to be more authentic and to be more organized in my communication. I'm pretty sucky at putting my true self out there most of the time and am looking to change that.

Got invited to participate in the impromptu mini-speech contest. (They call it "Table Topics") It was a rush. I was waaaaaaaaay more nervous than I had anticipated. My legs were shaking! But it was alright and I ended up winning the contest, which was nice. I think they were partially biased to the newbie going up there though. Some people even said I seemed comfortable up there. Ha! I could have sworn they saw my legs violently convulsing....

So I'll update this post now and then as I go along, in case anyone's thinking of going.

I am a TM from Nigeria. I joined toastmasters mid last year. It's the best place one can ever be besides the presence of God. You are given all the opportunity in the world to be who you want to be. They are so encouraging and fun loving. Every meeting is an adventure to the unknown.

I've just been elected as the sgt-at-arms of my club. Toastmasters is my newest found love. They've inspired me to a fault. Angelique, you can agree with me that you can never find a place where your public speaking skills and leadership skills can easily grow like the toastmasters?

On behalf of my club (Eagle Toastmasters Club), I send warm regards to your club members. Let's continue to keep the TM flag flying!

Seun Kilanko

[metamorph]

Sounds interesting. I considered it couple of times, and I may go to TM in autumn. Could you tell me roughly:
a) how much it costs (does not say on the website)?
b) how efficient is it? (on the websites it apepars that only 1 or 2 talks will be
done each session. So if there is a big group, it sounds as if you only talk
once every 1-3 months (?)).
c) Do they also teach how to improve slide-based presentations (powerpoint)?

TY!

[Angelique]

Originally Posted by seunkilanko

I am a TM from Nigeria. I joined toastmasters mid last year. It's the best place one can ever be besides the presence of God. You are given all the opportunity in the world to be who you want to be. They are so encouraging and fun loving. Every meeting is an adventure to the unknown.

I've just been elected as the sgt-at-arms of my club. Toastmasters is my newest found love. They've inspired me to a fault. Angelique, you can agree with me that you can never find a place where your public speaking skills and leadership skills can easily grow like the toastmasters?

On behalf of my club (Eagle Toastmasters Club), I send warm regards to your club members. Let's continue to keep the TM flag flying!

Seun Kilanko

Congratulations! I agree, I hadn't factored in the leadership aspect when I considered. I just figured I'd be talking in front of the crowd, but I like playing the roles just as much.

[dulaney0330]

Any updates?

[Angelique]

Originally Posted by metamorph

Sounds interesting. I considered it couple of times, and I may go to TM in autumn. Could you tell me roughly:
a) how much it costs (does not say on the website)?
b) how efficient is it? (on the websites it apepars that only 1 or 2 talks will be
done each session. So if there is a big group, it sounds as if you only talk
once every 1-3 months (?)).
c) Do they also teach how to improve slide-based presentations (powerpoint)?

TY!

Hi, metamorph.

a) I paid up front for the six months, starting in May. It think altogether it was about $57 or just a little under that.

Here is a copy of the membership application. It explains the pricing.
http://www.toastmasters.org/memberapp.aspx

b) I find it to be very efficient. Here's why, they have two parts to their program- a leadership track and a communication track.

For each meeting, there are certain roles that are filled such as the Timer or Toastmaster (host of the meeting). In those roles you will speak as well.
At the very least, you'll be explaining to everyone what your role is. (These roles help for the extremely shy because you still get up in front of everyone but it's not as nerve wrecking as a speech IMO.)

It is true you probably won't get to speak as much if it's a big crowd. But, you have a couple of options there. First, I would look for a smaller club but you can also join more than one club (some people do that, thinking about it myself).
I was told you can also be a guest speaker at other clubs and it will count towards your educational goals.

You can attend meetings for free while you're thinking about it (as a guest). This would give you a chance to get all your questions answered and at my club they even let guests participate in the impromptu speeches (called "Table Topics") if you they want to.

One thing I do want to point out is that the price is definitely low for the amount of networking you'll do. It's worldwide so the possibilities are endless.

c) This is a list of the manuals you can choose from after you complete the first one (10 speeches). But, I'm not sure if they cover Powerpoint presentations.
Toastmasters Manuals

I attended an event last week and I did overhear one lady promoting her advanced club. I think she said they use Powerpoint a lot there. I'm sure there are people that use it, so there's got to be help out there some where. Sorry, I don't have much info on that. If I come across any other info about that, I'll post it.

I hope this helps. Please, feel free to ask away if you've got more questions.

And if anyone's got more insight on this, please fill free to share (or correct me if that's the case).

[metamorph]

Originally Posted by Angelique

h.

I hope this helps. Please, feel free to ask away if you've got more questions.

Thanks so much!
That was really helpful!

I guess I will follow your thread and maybe join later this year

[Angelique]

Originally Posted by metamorph

Thanks so much!
That was really helpful!

I guess I will follow your thread and maybe join later this year

You're welcome.

Good luck.

[Angelique]

Hello. Just wanted to give a quick update on my journey.

After going to what's called the "Toastmaster Leadership Institute" (where they train the officers for our entire district), I knew that I wanted to be on the fast track on my education. TM is self-paced, so you can go as fast or as slow as you want. I learn faster when I've got a quick momentum going and it makes it more interesting, so that's the route I chose. I'm about to give my 7th speech (out of 10) and I've been in TM for about 5 months now. My leadership stuff is coming right along too and it looks like I'll be getting that manual done soon, too.

Our district is in contest season right now. There's two different competitions to choose from. I chose to compete in the humorous speech competition. I won at my club level. Last night, I got third out of three at the area level. Yeah, I lost but it was so much fun! This may sound like I'm trying to save face, but I'm actually glad I lost because I'm going to CGW and would like to focus on getting that in order. (So excited!!!)

I've come a long way and it feels easy because I'm having fun. These are some of the things I've gotten to do: Went to the leadership thing, volunteered for various roles, given speeches in back-to-back order (consecutive weeks), wrote an article for our newsletter and I'll be helping with out with a membership drive next month. AND I've made some new friends. It's refreshing to be around so many positive people who love to talk.

[Slightly off topic: I used one speech I presented to share a 30 day trial I wanted to do. It was the perfect platform to use. I wanted to work out for 30 days in a row. I got up to 20 in a row, 21 days total - 70% success. Not bad considering I kept failing at getting a whole week done. I think I would have done better if I'd had a goal buddy.]

Last night, I lost at the competition. But honestly, I feel like I won. I had about 7 different people come up to me afterwards and tell me how funny they thought I was and how they could relate to what I was saying. Let's just say my ego was purring with pleasure. Someone also invited me to come and guest speak for their contest. I'm looking forward to hearing some feedback from a different crowd who doesn't know me. From what I understand it's going to be a very technical crowd. Luckily, my speech focus is on research. My personal goal is to really connect with them while I'm informing them.

All in all, I feel like this is one of the best decisions I've made. I am so much more comfortable than I was at that first meeting and I know it's going to get even better. I can't wait to be done with my 10th speech, which will grant me 'Competent Communicator' status. That's a big deal for me because self-discipline has been a big challenge for me. I'll definitely keep this post going to mark my transitions.

[ChrisL]

Way to go Angelique! Do you still become a CTM - Certified Toastmaster after you complete your 10th speech? I'm glad you decided to try out the competition - it really does hone your skills! I loved doing the Humorous speech contest, and I used the Motivational speech competition to increase my courage about saying things that not everyone would agree with - I didn't win but it really helped me internally and gave my career a boost. Enjoy the leadership program too.

Thanks for sharing your journey.

[Angelique]

Thanks, ChrisL!

Yeah, you get a Competent Communicator Certificate and an optional letter to your employer when you finish the 10th speech.

The contest was a great experience. It's a been a big shortcut to gaining more confidence in front of a crowd.

[metamorph]

So, as I promised, I went to my first toastmasters meeting. I think everyone was very friendly, and supportive. However, I was a little bit disappointed with the feedback on the speeches. I expected that the people who gave a speech would get more detailed feedback on how they can improve. Also, there was no teaching at all. So I am curious as to how people get better at articulation, vocal projection, body language, intonation, rhetoric techniques etc at toastmasters. Do they get assignments to do a speech and then it is up to the person to figure everything out himself? Do they get videos or something else? I had been to a rhetoric seminar in the past. There we were actually filmed during our speech, and then told much more specifically how to improve.

[Brutha]

So, as I promised, I went to my first toastmasters meeting. I think everyone was very friendly, and supportive. However, I was a little bit disappointed with the feedback on the speeches. I expected that the people who gave a speech would get more detailed feedback on how they can improve.

If the didn't get feedback on how to improve the evaluators did a bad evaluation.
When you have people who's main problem is shyness it can however also be a good idea to give mainly positive feedback. Positive feeling improve the way the person feels about public speaking. All the clapping of hands has a similar effect.
Bad bodylanguage is often a sign of anxiety of the speaking. Without eliminating the anxiety you won't be able to improve the bodylanguage. The same goes for the voice.

c) Do they also teach how to improve slide-based presentations (powerpoint)?

Some clubs do. Traditionally toastmasters however rather focus on giving presentations without slides.
Slides have the disadvantage that the speaker has to compete with the slides for attention.
Having a strong connection with the audience is often easier when you don't use slides.
A lot of speakers also use their slides as a crutch to remember their speech.
Even if you give your speeches at work with slides it can still make sense to practice at toastmasters without slides.
You don't practice every speaking skill at once but concentrate on different skills at different times.

Do they get videos or something else?

At our club we record videos.

a) I paid up front for the six months, starting in May. It think altogether it was about $57 or just a little under that.

Every club can set the price itself. The club has to pay 6$ per month/per member to Toastmasters International so that's probably the minimum price.
Depending on the cost of the room and similar factors you get different prices.

In conclusion toastmasters clubs differ from each other.
It makes sense to visit multiple clubs to choose the one that suits you best.