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From: Russ Hicks
Date: 08 Oct 2006
Time: 11:53:00 -0500
Remote Name: 71.252.204.114
Hi Drew, ..... Congratulations for getting up the nerve to join Toastmasters! Isn't it fun? <smile> I was a basket case when I first joined. I was totally convinced that it was for FLUENT people ONLY - who were already good speakers. I could not have been more wrong! Toastmasters is a wonderful organization for people who are scared to death of public speaking. And that includes both fluent speakers and people who stutter. It took me about five speeches before I discovered that my fear of public speaking was fading away rapidly and a couple more before I really began to ENJOY it! Those little evaluation forms from the audience are sooooo valuable! You'll learn to believe them more than you believe yourself! Trust me, that's true! ..... Toastmasters is the IDEAL forum to stutter openly and not avoid speaking. You'll find that the vast majority of Toastmasters are sincerely interested in your stuttering and what you are doing to overcome your problem. You do NOT have to speak fluently when you are explaining stuttering to them either. Matter of fact it adds a LOT to your credibility if you continue to stutter - openly and easily. You'd be amazed at what a role model you can become by SHOWING people how you face and feel your fears - and do it anyway! People are very inspired by that message. ..... Public speaking is a learned art, just like baseball or playing the piano. And you can learn it just like anyone else. Be SURE to participate in speaking contests. They are a LOT of fun, and even if you don't win, you meet so many wonderful people and have sooo much fun! Speaking outside the club is what makes Toastmasters more fun than you can imagine. Once you do it a few times, you'll understand what I mean. ..... And yes indeed, it can help in other areas other than just public speaking. By attending functions like officer training and the various parties and events in Toastmasters, you will gain experience and skill in social situations. It's been a godsend to me! ..... And don't worry about a major relapse. Sure, you'll have your ordinary ups and downs as we all do, but as long as you keep on being active in Toastmasters, you'll have lots of opportunities to keep up your skills. And don't concentrated on fluency. Other people couldn't care less about that. But concentrate on building your COMMUNICATION skills and speak as often as you possibly can. Table Topics, especially, can be so much fun if you relax and just let it happen. Remember, you do NOT have to tell the truth in Table Topics! Let your mind go crazy and have FUN responding to those questions. The key to all this is FUN! ..... Good luck in Toastmasters, Drew. I know you'll have a blast! And please keep in touch. I'll be interested in your progress! ..... My very best to you, ..... Russ, email is russhicks@mail.com