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From: Pam
Date: 12 Oct 2009
Time: 21:53:01 -0500
Remote Name: 67.248.58.128
Hi Jen, thanks for the good question. Toastmasters is a public speaking organization for anyone, fluent or not, who wants to practice and improve communication skills in a supportive environment, where you can also get good feedback on what you are doing and how to improve.Most peoplehate public speaking, whehter they stutter or not. At the same time as I entered therapy,and found selfhelp, I heard about and joined Toastmasters. I wanted to get over my fears of speaking publicly and gain more confidence. It has been great. I have been able to talk about stuttering, educate fellow club members and realize that, "hey, I am a good communicator, with a stutter". That was a huge relaization for me. In three years, I have given over 30 spoeeches, and held several leadership roles, treasurer, education coordinator and most recently,club president,all for one year terms. I am currently not serving in a leadership capacity. I help mentor new members, and I have also joined an Advanced Toastmasters group. It has been hugely beneficial for me, and for the fluent speakers in my club. For them to see that fluency is not the most important thing in good communication. I would highly reccomend TM to people who stutter (and not). Its great as a supplement to therapy, it helps challenege you, helps move you past comforst zones, and provides the confidence needed to succeed in all communication situations. It has helped me so much at work. You or clients can find more info at http://www.toastmasters.org Thanks again!