Speaking comfortably and effectively to a group is a critical skill for successful career advancement. Yet, researchers say that 70% of the population is frozen in fear by the prospect of presenting to a group. Neuroscientist and Toastmasters International member Anwesha Banerjee, Ph.D., reports that the body’s reaction to stage fright is the same response triggered when being stared down by a tiger.
TMI clubs offer tools and support to overcome the fear.
Kathleen Logan, author and speaker said, “I’ve been a member of Toastmasters of Cordova for 22 or 23 years. It has been valuable to me, or I wouldn’t have stayed so long. I was never a ‘natural born’ speaker. I taught elementary school and did fine with the kids. But adults? I would panic at the very thought of having to get up in front of them, yet I ended up doing just that for most of my adult life.”
Even speakers who are comfortable speaking to a group are usually unaware of how their verbiage or body language distracts from the effectiveness of their own message. They may use too many distracting crutch words - um, ah, I mean, you know, so, or use ‘and’ to string together sentence after sentence. They may not make good eye contact with the audience or might make bewildering, unnecessary hand gestures.
“Practice and constructive feedback are essential to maintain any skill,” Logan said. “Practicing my talk ‘Conflict Resolution’ at my club enabled me to present the topic confidently at a national convention earlier this year.”
TMI clubs provide a supportive environment to develop public speaking and leadership skills. Impromptu speaking, evaluating others’ speeches, board service, leading a meeting and improved listening skills are essential professional skills that are learned and polished through Toastmasters participation.
Leah V. Gibbs, a newcomer to TMOC, recently won Club and Area Speech Competitions and will be competing at the district level soon. She joined so she could be better for herself and for her community.
“As the owner and CEO of Royal Reflections Events and a participant in various leadership roles, I felt compelled to elevate my presence and impact in the world. My audience, customers, clients and community deserved nothing less than the best version of myself,” Gibbs explained.
Both Gibbs and Logan shared that they enjoyed the support and community developed as part of their experience at TMOC. Beyond the development of technical skills, engaging with others of different religions, races, backgrounds, experiences, skills and ages has been enriching.
“The support and camaraderie within this community are unmatched; it fosters an environment conducive to personal and professional flourishing,” Gibbs said.
Greater Pensacola is home to several Toastmasters Clubs which meet at various times and locations. Some offer the option of attending through virtual access. Contact a local club to practice staring into the eye of a tiger, face the fear and share your message powerfully.
Want to join?
What: Toastmasters of Cordova
When: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Fridays
Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church; 3400 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola
Info: Cordova.Toastmastersclubs.org, Toastmasters.org or Toastmasters of Cordova on Facebook
