I've been a member of Toastmaster International for five years. There are several clubs in the Hendersonville area, but I chose FourSeasons Toastmasters. We meet at Lake Point Landing retirement community in their general assembly room downstairs in the main building. The location and 8:00 am meeting time works well for me.
My purpose in joining Toastmasters was to find my voice. I wanted to tell about my journey with Multiple Sclerosis that I started in 2000. I've had mostly "ups" on this journey, but I admit to getting discouraged from time to time. The disease robs the individual of energy, strength, self esteem, articulation in speech, physical coordination, and posture among other things. I have found that it's important to me to have supportive people who like to work together being productive. Toastmasters fits this criteria well.
Self esteem was immediately reinforced by doing the speech projects in the curriculum one by one. Also, I was approached by another member, Jackie about being my mentor. Jackie has about 20 years experience in Toastmasters and has done speech competitions. i jumped on her offer to be my mentor and is a relationship I have found helpful over the long term. Jackie is a fantastic speech coach.
In preparation for the 2018 International Speech Contest, we've already had two sessions at her house. She has helped me refine the content, include words that pop and ways to practice and perfect each section. I'll do one more speech delivery at a Toastmasters meeting just before the contest. Hopefully, by that time, the feedback will be thumbs up on the adjustments made since the first time. Practice sessions are so helpful. Practice simulates how I will feel on stage at the contest and all the other factors like time and distraction. Watch my first practice presentation at our Four Seasons Toastmasters meeting in early March.
The contest speeches are challenging and rewarding. The preparation keeps me focused and sharp. This is probably the fourth time I have competed at the Area Level contest. Each time I learn new ways to improve my speaking. The end result is better self esteem. I always meet more friendly Toastmasters from across the region and frequently some of our members will come to support. Everybody has a story to share and are all supportive of each other.
There are winners named and I have been a winner, but I have never been able to go to the next contest level. I wish I could comment on this experience, but I can't. Regardless, I think the time and effort preparing are worth all the confidence, self esteem, and learning achieved.
The contest is Saturday, April 7. I'll do a follow-up blog post with all the details.
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