The decision to join Toastmasters happened by chance. I had been asked to speak in front of a large audience at work and share something meaningful about my experience at a recent trade show. I was very nervous about public speaking. I feared I would either faint on stage or become the target of ridicule from my peers. The speech was to be held in the cafeteria – what if there were flying eggs and tomatoes hurled at me for giving a bad speech? On the day of the speech, I stood in front of about 120+ people and started to talk. Slowly. I had the sensation of a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach caused by anxiety. Nearly all of us have been there! The more I spoke, the better I felt, and my stage freight started to dissipate slowly.

I survived my speech, but I knew I could benefit from improving my public speaking skills. I just needed to practice talking more in front of an audience. I was familiar with Toastmasters but was always undecided about joining. The club officers had tried several times to entice me and now the decision was easier. An opportunity for self-improvement and new learning had manifested. All I had to do was grab it.

A year and a half later, I am a club officer. I find myself trying to recruit and mentor new members into our club. I take myself back to my own start and use my own story to inspire others to improve their speaking skills. A person typically joins the club when the voice inside them tells them they, too, can do it. 

Our club has added many new members because they were able to relate to the possibility – of an outcome of improving their speaking skills. The aggressive advertising and showcasing our club at company events and picnics is always a plus. It broadcasts a sense of belonging to a group that is special. Like a badge – Yes, I, too. am a Toastmaster. 

All of one’s life experiences, both big and small, define us. I have visited 20 countries, speak five languages and have countless stories to share, but I am still learning and improving. Learning never ends. Life is a constant exercise in self-improvement. If you can turn that exercise into something fun, then it becomes an adventure. We strive to make the Talking Heads Club a welcome place for all current and future members to enjoy their learning adventure.