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Getting ready for my first prepared speech!
I find that chocolate caramel sea salt cake and fresh coffee improve my dedication and motivation to work hard. Once upon a time, long, long ago, in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful, young, fresh university graduate. She'd just finished earning a degree in communications and and giving her university's commencement speech--a surprise to no one except her parents. (She liked surprising them.) News of her achievement made its way to the town crier (the local suburban newspaper) and an invitation was sent to her home. Would she like to join the local Toastmasters club?
Having never heard of this group, she was hesitant. It sounded like a group of grey-haired men, sitting in a city hall basement, swilling cheap drinks, practicing homages. This did not fit in with her new and exciting idea of what her uptown life would be like. And it wasn't convenient. So she didn't pursue the matter, knowing she'd find another way to live happily ever after.
I'd like to go back in time and smack some sense into that young woman, suggesting she google Toastmasters. Then she'd find out that it's really an international organization to help not only with public speaking skills, but also leadership skills. And meetings don't include cheap champagne.
But, of course, that's not possible.
A few weeks ago, and 13 years later, I went to my first Toastmasters meeting. I love public speaking and I challenged myself with it in high school and university. Then I moved into teaching and coached the English speech team at a university. I miss it. Upon moving to Bangkok I learned that it's actually an international organization with groups all over, including here! After many months of googling, talking to people, etc, I finally managed to get everything in order and find a group that's convenient for me. I went. I loved it.
I don't know how many people are in the group (since not everyone attends every meeting) but everyone I met tonight was kind and welcoming, a non-native speaker, and a member of the group to improve their skills, including their English. (Online it does look like there are quite a few foreign members as well.) I was impressed by their speaking abilities and insights. I'm really excited to make some new friends, network, as well as improve myself.
I'd gone to a few meetings as a guest but tonight was my first night as an actual member. I took on a role counting mistakes and awkward pauses knowing I'd have to give a speech at the end with the results. I did and was told how much people enjoyed my use of humor and how I did a really good job.
I was also "volunteered" to give an impromptu speech, something I've never been comfortable doing. After I finished, the president came over to tell me what a wonderful job I'd done and go on about a special technique I'd used that had impressed him. (I had no idea I'd done it.) I had several others also tell me how confident I seemed and how easily I made it look. While flattered, I assumed they were just being polite. It was my first time speaking and it's always good to encourage new speakers. (Most of them don't know I've been doing this on and off for years.)
At the end of the evening, everyone votes for the best in each category.
I won.
I'm sure the look of complete shock and confusion was not what they were expecting. Not to mention a very loud, "What?!" Usually people smile, wai, and say thank you.
You can call me Toastmaster Kris.
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Dad and Mom
non-member comment
Great!!
Congratulations on your win! Great organization.