Public speaking is one of the top fears in America. Considering many of us never practice speaking in public, it is understandable that we shy away from it. Yet, communication skills are also essential for career development, and I would have never made it in the executive suite and onto board if I couldn’t communicate. Thus, joining Toastmasters has been one of the best choices in my career. For Washington State’s Toastmasters International Week, join me in exploring my pathway through Toastmasters and how it helped me build my career.
How I got started with Toastmasters
When I started to build Univention’s North American branch, two significant enemies were ahead of me. For one, there was the phone; It was part of my job to dive into sales, make cold calls, and speak to people who didn’t want to talk to me. The other was networking events. My ideal of a networking event at that point was first to plunder any foods or snacks I could find and then quietly hide in the corner until it was time to leave.
In both cases, I didn’t want to be the one to initiate the conversation. Having someone else take the first step and approach or call me was ok. Yet, putting myself at the risk of rejection and social shame was a step too far.
Thankfully, I had a mentor at the time who recognized the issues I faced. After some discussion, I decided that I would never overcome the fear without practicing speaking to other people.
Yet, just doing it and speaking at networking events or cold calling was a bridge too far. Toastmasters offered the safe option, where people came to learn how to speak—a place where everyone was in a room to learn and grow and not pass judgment.
Thus, I decided to become a toastmaster and speaking.
Impromptu Speaking at Toastmasters
While Toastmasters is best known for gaining practice in prepared presentations, the meeting has three parts. First, there are usually prepared speeches with someone at the front of the room giving a seven-minute speech. In the second part, there are Table Topics. Quick and often quirky prompts get members and guests to speak for 1-2 minutes, similar to an elevator pitch or networking introduction. Lastly, everything gets evaluated. You often don’t realize how much of your speech or pitch went well until someone tells you. We focus on the potential sable tooth tiger behind the bush to see all the berries hanging on it.
Most of my fellow Toastmasters ease themselves into speaking by doing a Table Topic or two before tackling a small role like timing the speaker, and only then tackle their first prepared speech. Given my fear of impromptu speaking, I choose the other route. To avoid being called up for Table Topics, I scheduled my prepared speeches for the first couple of meetings.
Only afterward did I feel confident enough to tackle an impromptu speech myself. Yet, as with everything in the journey, my Toastmasters club was and is highly supportive and provided excellent feedback.
Has it worked?
Fearing the unknown is a very human reaction. Thus, the ability to speak every week and give impromptu speeches has significantly enhanced my confidence. While it hasn’t happened overnight, I feel significantly more at ease at events or when standing in front of people.
Another realization was that I have a lot to say that people would want to listen to. It has given me the confidence to apply for speaking gigs and to appear on podcasts. Something I shied away from for a long time.
Lastly, with every new Toastmaster walking through the doors of our club, I can see that it is perfectly normal to fear the unknown. Yet, by being part of their journey and helping them grow, I can grow more.
Give Toastmasters a Try
Most clubs allow you to visit as often as you want before joining. While you might not get to give a prepared speech, the ability to introduce yourself in front of the club can show the power of a supportive audience. My experience has been roundly positive.
With the ability to speak becoming an ever-increasing requirement in the modern world, there is no better time to start getting comfortable and learning how to do it than now. So find your local club now.