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From: Carla Bernier
Date: 20 Oct 2011
Time: 06:11:03 -0500
Remote Name: 71.233.233.138
Thanks, Pam, for your positive and persuasive information on Toastmasters. Makes me want to join. I am not a person who stutters, but would be far more likely to be a tough listen than a person who stutters! I had a very bad experience when I was much younger, giving a talk. It was supposed to be on early childhood speech and language development. It was in the Boston area. I traveled there with lots of information prepared, but feeling that it was a topic I knew about, and could talk freely. It was in a room where chairs were lined up around the perimeter, and people filed in and filled the chairs. The set up was not comfortable, but I attempted to make the best of it. I began my presentation – attempting to engage the audience. After about 5 minutes, when I couldn’t get a response, a laugh, a signal that anyone was with me, a few people started to get up and leave the room! There is nothing more humiliating except maybe if you are a PWS and someone finishes your words or looks uninterested in what you are saying! What I did not know – this was a Hispanic audience – most of whom did not speak or understand English! I was so distressed when I realized this, I could not pull myself together, began to sweat, and felt like I was in the “Twilight Zone.” (Remember that or are you too young??). Anyway, I was able to pull myself together and attempted to explain using every communication mode I could muster up in my state of panic, and cut the talk short. I remember feeling sick inside for days – how could this have happened – how could the agency that hired me not know that this was a Hispanic population? What I do know is that it took a long time for me to get over the fear and embarrassment I felt that day. I liken that to what it may be for a PWS who has that same panic and fear. Toastmasters would likely be good for me, you think? Maybe I could get a couple of my buddies to join with me! Thanks for your great contributions!