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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 14 Oct 2006
Time: 16:14:30 -0500
Remote Name: 84.68.73.25
Hi Lauren, Thank you for taking the time to write to me, and for the positive comments that you expressed. I know many PWS who have derived benefit from joining a speakers' club, such as Toastmasters International. I became a member of three public speaking clubs (in the UK) under the umbrella of the Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC). The ASC has its origins in Toastmasters, and is run on similar lines to that organisation. However, there isn't a Toastmasters club in my particular neighbourhood. You asked, "Was joining Toastmasters something that you did once you achieved a comfortable amount of fluency in everyday speaking situations?". The speech programme that I joined (in May 2000) introduced me to public speaking, and provided opportunities to involve myself in such activities while attending my initial course (and subsequent courses). An important aspect of the Programme is that it encourages members to challenge themselves by expanding their comfort zones. Consequently, I joined a public speaking club within a few weeks of becoming a member of that Programme. Numerous other members of that Programme follow a similar path. My speech had improved to such an extent during the first few days of joining that programme, that I willingly accepted the challenge to attend a speakers club. What benefits did I gain? They were enormous. I derived an amazing degree of confidence from standing in front of a group of total strangers. I was able to practise voice projection; pausing; clearer articulation; eye contact; intonation and variation of pitch etc. I quickly became accustomed to speaking before audiences and soon began winning the silverware in public speaking contests, in competition with fluent speakers.;-) The more I did it, the more I enjoyed it. As a member of three separate clubs, I had regular opportunities to give prepared and impromptu speeches; participate in debates; undertake the role of chairman; evaluate speeches given by other club members etc. At every meeting, there were wonderful opportunities to improve my social skills through interaction with other members. I was able to transfer the confidence that I gained in that environment into real life situations. During the past six years, I have completed speaking engagements on three continents, while also facilitating workshops for persons who stutter on such subjects as 'expanding comfort zones', personal development and public speaking. I am now totally at ease in front of an audience and readily accept the role of public speaker within my self image. Kindest regards Alan