It’s been a while since I wrote about public speaking or Toastmasters.
Being an active member of Toastmasters continues to provide benefits to my Life. Two recent examples come to mind.
- In my BNI (Business Network International) Energy chapter.
BNI is the world’s largest Referral organisation. It has hundreds of thousands of members around the world in approximately 11,000 chapters.
48 weeks a year, each member has an opportunity to stand up. They deliver their Elevator Pitch for 60 seconds. This helps to further educate their fellow members. It also indicates what type of referral they are looking for that week.
Last Wednesday-week, I was fortunate enough to win the Golden Microphone. It was for the Best Referral Request.
Naturally, because we meet so regularly at BNI too, we get a lot of consistent public speaking practice as well. We do the weekly Referral Request, and occasionally get to speak in Education Spot. Depending on the size of the chapter, we have the opportunity to do a 10-minute presentation every 6 months as well.
Consistent practice both with Toastmasters and BNI combines to assist me in growing my confidence and presentation skills.
- EmCee/MC at Weddings
Several years ago, one of my Nieces asked me an important question. She wanted to know if I would like the honour of being the MC at her wedding reception. The event was at The Royal Golf Club in Canberra.
Although nervous, I accepted. I wanted to help my Niece out. I remembered a valuable piece of advice from an experienced Toastmaster member. They once said, ‘if you ever get offered to do a public speaking engagement, accept it.’
The only way to grow in confidence and skills is to keep doing it. Of course they are important mental skills as well but, mental practice alone will not do it.
I’ve just completed my fourth wedding as an MC. The last three, including the one I did last weekend, were for three of my Godsons.
All four receptions were at quite different venues. Sometimes, as I have learned, one must be flexible and adaptable. Quite often, the Bride and Groom will change the running sheet ‘on-the-fly.’
Before joining Toastmasters, I would have dismissed the idea of presenting weekly at a business group. If someone suggested I would be an MC at weddings, I would have thought they were mad.
It just goes to show how being an active member of Toastmasters can have a positive impact on one’s Life. As of the 1 October 2024, I have been a member of Toastmasters for 16 years, 7 months. Looking forward to continuing the journey!
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
Sunday, 6 October 2024
Communicating Creatively 