Making Public Speaking enjoyable by being in a friendly constructive environment
My attendance is actually essential as I'm filling two roles on this evening, speaker and Toastmaster of the Evening. Sounds grand doesn't it! It is actually another opportunity that the Huntingdonshire Speakers as part of the wider Toastmasters International family provide - taking on a role in an event to gain experience in assuming responsibility in a safe environment. Toastmaster of the evening does not mean wearing a silly red coat and uttering toasts! It involves acting as compere, making sure that visitors are welcome and the members have a relaxed but structured program to the evening.
The great thing is, that toastmasters is a risk free environment, you can give a speech or take on a role knowing that you will receive constructive feedback and, if things do go pear shaped as they inevitably do whenever you are new to something, the others are there to help you out.
I remember that when I joined, I was impressed by the apparent confidence of one our Huntingdon female members. She later confided to me that, having had a junior role in a company she found speaking in front of a group of people terrifying. The confidence gained from toastmaster now has her chairing meetings at her workplace and has helped with her career progression to a senior position. I'm actually using my learnt skills chairing a Chamber International Seminar on Wed 30th April and then assisting a trade delegation to Manchester on the 1st and 2nd May.
If you would like to check out whether the reality matches my impression, please do join us as a welcome guest at the new Hemingford Abbots Golf Complex on 7th May, 6:30pm. There is no obligation to take part, no pressure - just come and enjoy the evening. We take a break for a meal at around 7:30 and generally finish by 8:45.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Chris Thomas
For more information contact me on chris@miltoncontact.com
directions to the Hemingford Abbots Golf Complex can be found at http://www.cgcc.co.uk/contact-map.html
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