I’ve thought about blogging for a while but simply haven’t had a compelling reason to do so. I am starting now to fulfill a requirement for the Presentation Mastery series of projects for Toastmasters. That’s my reason for getting started and I’m sticking to it.

I’ve been a member of The Last Word Toastmasters club since 2001. Over the last 20+ years I have completed a variety of projects (i.e., speeches and other activities) that have helped me gain confidence when communicating with others, especially in public. Communication is not simply about public speaking. It encompasses so much more. I will use this blog to talk about how I have grown because of my years as a Toastmaster. I’ll also feel free to express my not-so-humble opinion about a variety of topics.

In the beginning

Long before joining The Last Word (TLW), I saw notices in the local newspapers announcing the meetings. I considered the possibility but just didn’t get around to it. That is, until a fellow Town Meeting Member and member of the Capital Budget Committee asked me if I would like to attend a meeting. As a committee chair, I had to stand up at Town Meeting and give a report for each committee vote. I wasn’t doing well at that simple task – I would freeze. I was comfortable, though not terribly experienced, at running the meetings. An introvert I was not comfortable speaking publicly, even a few simple words such as, “Thank you Mr Moderator, the Capital Budget Committee voted 7-0.”

That invitation was one of the most important I have ever responded to. My communication comfort level has benefited from my years in Toastmasters. Although the introvert in me still shines, I am generally able to communicate with ease to an audience. As I work to complete my Level 4 assignment, I will write about my public speaking experiences and how TLW has helped.