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What’s the number one fear people have in their life?
FACT: It’s not death.
As a matter of fact, people would rather DIE than to speak the eulogy at a funeral. They would rather be in the casket than be the one speaking on stage! Fascinating isn’t it?
I have a proposition: Go out there, and start your public speaking journey.
You ever heard the saying that you should face your fears by confronting them head on? This is one of those things.
Why should you practice public speaking?
Death is inevitable, a fact of life, the ultimate guarantee. Public speaking, the greatest fear, is actually something that we could control. With this in mind, we could alter that fear and create confidence, empowerment, growth.
Think of the potential you could have when the fear of public speaking isn’t there to cripple you.
When I was in high school I was shy, timid, and insecure. My last year of high school brought a new change to my life that I didn’t expect, I started doing a ton of public speaking. I spoke in front of groups of children and teachers, students, faculty members, and friends.
In the beginning, it was scary, to say the least. A few months later, when I got up on stage I couldn’t help but get excited. That excitement lead me to more opportunities.
One of the most important things it taught me, I can do so much more for myself than dwell in a bubble of self-pity. Knowing I could step up to the podium without fear allowed me to know I can do anything I put my mind to.
Where do I start?
It wasn’t until after college where I learned about Toastmasters through a podcast. A place where I can learn new speaking techniques and practice them!
Count me in…but let’s wait for a few months.
As scared as I was to join a club, I made it a commitment if I wanted to improve my confidence. Finally, I settled on one near my workplace and lucky for me, it was the best club in San Francisco.
Shameless plug: SF Toastbusters.
Toastmaster clubs come in all different shapes and sizes. You have different ages, cultures, times, and locations. It’s up to you to decide where you best fit in by “shopping” around, but not for too long of course.
Visit http://www.toastmasters.org to find a club near you.
What to expect.
You’ll do some public speaking, and it might be cheesier than you think (if you’re some kind of “cool” guy) or jarring. With all the various roles such as ah/um counter, timer, grammarian, etc., you’ll find it…different. Yet you’ll realize, it’s structured this way for your benefit.
Toastmasters provides an environment where people could hone their skills as public speakers. At the same time, you learn skills as a leader and grow your confidence as a speaker.
But, don’t take my word for it. Join a local Toastmaster club and be in awe as you start to see your confidence as a speaker begin to grow and prosper!
Visit www.sftoastbusters.com for more
Follow SF Toastbusters on instagram at sftoastbustersEmail toastbusters.sf@gmail.com
The Quiet Onez 