Speaking is not my superpower
Because I have used my fingers to type and communicate through articles and columns for a good portion of my life, speaking in public is not one of my superpowers.
Though I am not exactly sure how I came across it, I found the local chapter of the Boomtown Toastmasters. It was probably Facebook; but however I found it, I am excited about this group and I want to share it with y’all!
Wendy Brown and Faye Brown, no relation, are the two keeping this club going in this area and I am so very glad to have found them! They hold meetings every Tuesday at noon at the First United Pentecostal Church located at 1012 2nd St. in El Dorado. You can check out the club website at boomtown. toastmastersclubs.org.
When I was younger, I used to hear about the Toastmasters groups and was very intimidated. I never imagined that I could do something like that. When I found out about the club, I was hesitant at first. Though I could never be described as shy, the idea of speaking to a crowd makes me anxious.
Because of the different events and activities that I am involved with, I really need to improve my speaking skills. I am kind of tired of saying things that surprise me just as much as those in the room. I am keen on learning how to control what I say, as well as how to say it.
There are dues to belong to the club, but
you receive a workbook that takes you through the speaking curriculum as well as a leadership program. With the new fiscal year coming up, I encourage you to visit with us and check the program out. If you are interested, Wendy and Faye will be glad to help you sign up. Not that you can’t join any time of the year, but there is a fresh vibe that comes with a new fiscal or calendar year.
The first speech members give comes at the third meeting with an “ice breaker” talk. This meeting allows new members to introduce themselves in a four to six-minute speech. My speech was received well and I am grateful for that because I sure was worried.
Wendy explained that the “evaluators” use a Sandwich Method when evaluating the speech. The first piece of “bread” is something positive, the meat is something that needs improving and the second piece of bread is ending on another positive.
I was grateful for the feedback on my speech, but it is easier for me to take criticism than praise. I am not sure why, but I know a lot of other people that are the same way. Hopefully, this organization will teach me to accept compliments without all of the silliness I start spewing when someone says something nice. Somewhere I read that it is just as important to receive compliments with grace as it is to receive criticism in a graceful manner.
Speeches are timed and a tally of “filler” words is gathered to identify what words the speaker needs to limit or remove from their speeches. Speakers also get points for using the “word of the day.” There are “table top topics” for impromptu speaking and the ladies keep a great handle on the time so that we are able to get out of the meeting before 1 p.m.
God constantly amazes me by sending people to me just as I need them. A high school principal once told me that the right teacher comes to the student when the student is ready. I am ready to learn to speak and I just know Wendy and Faye and their Toastmasters Club is going to be a favorite part of my week!
If you might be interested in this club, I invite you to join us. You can reach Wendy via that www.boomtown.toastermaster.org website, or you can email me.