I joined Worthing Speakers in August 2019. At first, I was very nervous and unsure. But after a couple of meetings I helped out in the role of timekeeper (keeping on schedule is very important in Toastmasters!) And that was when I started to gain confidence. This is what I have gained:
- Advice on talking in public – for example I had no idea I kept my hands clasped while speaking. Body language and movement is key to keep an audience interested, so I have learned to gesture more.
- Confidence in taking on more and more roles – even quite difficult ones. All speeches and roles at a meeting are evaluated by another member – always in a very positive way – and my innate lack of confidence is evaporating
- Friends. The members of the club have become good friends contributing a huge amount to my social wellbeing.
I was recently elected onto the managing committee and am learning much more about Toastmasters and its values.