The ICE-BREAKER

"You are a very unique and peculiar people. You choose to do something that most people would rather choose death over. You are one of my heroes!"

Today, marked the beginning of my journey as a Toastmaster--completing my very first speech! I was so proud of myself! I got through it without the use of notes or passing out! :) YEEESSS! I only had one double-clutch (meaning I started a sentence and then re-started the same sentence again), a "so," and a "and." No "UM's!!!"

That marks two speeches given in the last 72 hours. Can you say ANXIETY?!? I don't know how people do this for a living! I sure hope it gets easier the more practice you get in!

Today, I learned that I am okay if I pause and forget my line. You can and always should use your notes to get you back on track. I didn't even apologize when I paused for 10 seconds hoping my next line would come to me. A word to the wise, never apologize to your audience for loosing your place. This is a general rule for any speaking you do. You are serving your audience. This is your stage and you need not apologize for a simple slip, just quickly resume once you find your place! :)

Another trick, if your mind has drawn a complete blank for the words to your next sentence--simply lift your finger as if you are about to tell the most important part of your speech. This will give you time to recollect your thoughts, and the audience will just think that point was meant to be emphasized!

I am eager to continually learn through this club! For my next speech I would like to improve my eye contact. I will do this by maintaining eye contact with each Toastmaster in the room for an entire sentence before moving on to add a very dramatic personal approach. Secondly, I wish to add more hand gestures. I am progressing forward, I just need to trust myself! The Lord always steps in when I have done all that I can!