The Tuesday article “Exit, Stage Fright – Panic over speaking in public can be paralyzing” was so long, I got tired of reading it. May I suggest joining a Toastmaster Club (toastmasters.org), an international organization that teaches communications skills? There is much to learn in a supportive environment. In a club venue, you learn to speak before your audience, to create a speech, how to evaluate others’ speeches. There are speech contests, evaluation contests, you learn to use body language, props, vocabulary and much more.
Years ago, I left an abusive husband. My self-esteem was lower than a snake’s belly – no contacts, no job, nothing at that time. I joined a Toastmasters Club and learned a great deal in the five and a half years I was a member. I presided over speech contests, officer-training seminars, was an area governor then division governor. Also, a target speaker for an evaluation contest. Being in Toastmasters was the best thing I could have done for myself. There are business people, doctors, chiropractors, people from all walks of life who want to improve themselves.
The experience has also helped me with my interest in music. As a member of the Old Time and Country Music Association, I pick guitar and sing before a large audience frequently. I have no fear; indeed, I think it’s fun.
Toastmasters has certainly done a lot for me and it will for any of you folks out there who need to brush up on your speaking skills or simply learn all of the above, and more.
JOANNE DAVIS
Everett
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