An Introvert's Toastmasters Journey

Image by Silvarita from Pixabay

I gave a cringe-worthy presentation about a month after I joined Toastmasters. The eyes were my downfall. It didn't occur to me then to practice my speech in front of my fellow Toastmasters. However, I had a chance to redeem myself. A couple of months after the appalling speech, I learned that I would be giving a talk at the National Weather Association's 44th Annual Meeting. Me needing help was an understatement.

Children are great motivators.
During my first Toastmasters meeting, I politely passed up several opportunities to participate. At my second meeting, I had another chance to take part. Like the first time, I passed it up. I was too nervous. It took a little girl named Philippa to encourage me to speak at the next meeting. What did she do? She stood in front of a group of adults and gave a short talk! The following week, I gave my Ice Breaker Speech on how I became interested in meteorology. 

After the Ice Breaker Speech, I focused my attention on my National Weather Association (NWA) meeting presentation. My fellow Toastmasters were my test subjects. I am so grateful that they were willing to listen to a speech that was intended for meteorologists, not once but three times. I appreciated their patience, support, thoughtful feedback, and attentiveness!

Sadly, my third speech-practice run was a fiasco. Technical difficulties concerning a projector-that-will-not-be-named set my confidence level back to shortly after May's disastrous speech. "I'm sorry" poured from my mouth like a flood. Fillers abounded. I went over the allowed time, and I forgot an entire section of my speech! "If it went this bad two weeks before the conference," I thought. "I'm doomed!" Thank goodness for my fellow Toastmasters and a former co-worker! They gave me suggestions on how to handle any technical mayhem that might come up.

The Annual Meeting: Should I stay, or should I go?

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

It was my first time attending the NWA's annual meeting; therefore, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I do recall having a strong desire to run back to my hotel room after I saw how many people were there, but I didn't. On the day of my speech, I missed lunch because I was panicking in my hotel room. I was so nervous that I forgot my talk! After several deep calming breaths, my speech returned to me. It was just in time, too, because when I looked at the clock, lunch was over.

It turned out that I worried about the wrong things. I didn't fall on my way to the stage, there weren't any technical problems, and I didn't forget my speech. However, the lectern (podium) was see-through. Therefore, I couldn't use it to hide my shaking legs from the audience. I didn't own the stage. Also, I didn't know how to handle the "miniature suns" (the seemingly 1000-Watt floodlights facing the stage). Despite the unexpected challenges, I exceeded my expectations!

The second hurdle I had to overcome at the conference was networking. It was good that there was more than one networking session. True to introvert form, I avoided eye contact during the first session. At the next one, I decided that I would not leave unless I introduced myself to someone. It took a couple of veggies dipped in salad dressing, a few crackers, two cups of water, and some fruit for me to gather my courage. My first target was Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel. After orbiting his plane for a few moments, I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. That was a genuine "thank goodness for Toastmasters" moment!

Confidence Boost
It's been about six months since the annual meeting, and my confidence has blossomed. I now feel comfortable giving speeches at club meetings, even when guests are present. I've volunteered for meeting roles, and I'm a club officer (Sargeant-At-Arms). Not only have my communication and public speaking improved but also my leadership skills. However, there is still much to learn. It's a journey, after all.

Many thanks to my fellow Toastmasters at Confidence Builders Club in Mill Creek for helping me on my journey. If you live in the area, please stop by and visit. We're a warm, friendly, down-to-earth, fun, and supportive group that meets every Tuesday at 7 PM. I hope to see you there!

~NC