One of the first speaking projects that you are asked to do in Toastmasters is to speak about yourself. It is the easiest subject ever. You are the expert on your own life. This speech is designed to help you learn a few basics about speaking but more importantly to introduce yourself to the club.
When you do this speech you have 4-6 minutes to speak about you! For some that seems like an eternity. For others, it seems like so little time. How do I fit a life-time into 4-6 minutes. I remember my first speech. Since I was already a speaker I really struggled with getting my timing right. In fact for my first few speeches I went over time.
Why are they timed you ask? There are many reasons. One is to help us define what is really important to share. Another is to honor time allotted for wherever you are asked to speak.
Have you ever been to a conference and a speaker went way over time? It disrupts the entire schedule of the conference. In toastmasters we learn to respect the speaking time.
Because we create a safe environment, feedback is delivered in a a very encouraging and supportive fashion. It is a fun place to learn. As I said before I rejoined Toastmasters after a twenty year speaking career. When I rejoined I was retired from Public Health. So , why toastmasters?
I will share in my next blog. Contact me for more information about toastmasters.
