Up for the challenge
I’m a member of Battle Speakers Club who are a member of Toastmasters International. “Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our membership is 313,000 strong. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 14,650 clubs in 126 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations” says the website. It helps people from all walks of life practice and learn to speak in public. I first encountered a club on my trip to Canada and I went along with a friend of mine to watch him give a speech. The meeting follows a set pattern and was almost the same in Battle as in Kitchener, Ontario.
It is improving my public speaking which I seem to be doing more of at networking events, teaching and performing too. The people are really friendly and its always a great night out. A couple of weeks ago I entered the international speaking competition. It was the first time entering a speech competition, so I was please that I came third. Today I got a phone call. The winner has a paid event. The second placer didn’t want to do it, so I was asked. I said yes, remembering that I am doing this to improve, challenge myself and move out of my comfort zone. In a couple of weeks time I will be representing the Battle Speakers Club in the area competition against four other clubs. My expectations are low and I’m going to improve upon the speech and see what happens.
If you would like more information on Battle Speakers click here Battle Speakers Club
And here for Toastmasters International Toast Masters Organisation