It isn't easy to speak

I joined toastmasters with an aim – to be a better public speaker, able to present with ease and confidence in any occasion. Recently, many of you might have often seen me up on stage during chapter meetings. Some ‘wow’ed as I entertain them; others must have been thinking why does he have so much to speak. After all, in the past 3 months, I have done 3 advanced projects, 1 SAA, 1 table topics masters and 1 project evaluator.

The truth is – it’s never easy. I struggled before I even started. My dreams told me that getting the title of Competent Communicator was ‘chicken feet’. The reality was that I took 2 years to complete 10 basic speeches.

The crux comes when I’m told to make a speech. Panic strikes me as I run out of ideas and content. Today, I realize the nuts and bolts of speaking better –
(i) Set out a vision (and action plan) of what I want to be in 6 months time. I dreamt of speaking without a lectern, narrating short stories in a room packed with listeners.
(ii) Volunteer for roles and speeches instead of being volunteered. This is similar to the desire to exercise as compared to being forced to exercise. In which scenario would you enjoy yourself better?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Lao-tzu). I will be preparing my Storytelling AP4. What about you? What will be your next step?