This morning I was Toastmaster at my weekly Toastmasters meeting. This means I introduced the people who had roles in today’s agenda, like the Speakers and General Evaluator. I was looking forward to the experience, trusting it would be better than the last time I was Toastmaster (which was my first time.) Not the case. El problemo? In my attempts to improve the introductions (which I wasn’t too happy about last time) I feel that my attention was too focused. The issue: I didn’t feel like I connected with the audience.

The beautiful thing about Toastmasters is that my experience today was simply practice. It is one of the most supportive learning environments I’ve ever experienced. I am my own harshest critic–I don’t need someone else dragging me through the mud and pummeling me when I’m down. I do, however, appreciate suggestions for what I can improve upon. This method encourages me to walk tall and keep trying. So even though I don’t feel today went as well as I would have liked, I’m already looking forward to the next time when I can try again.

The mission of Toastmasters is expansive (no, not just about making “toasts” or about prepaing “toast.”)

Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

Tom Kane provides a succinct summary of 10 speaking tips (scroll down to bottom of post) from Toastmasters materials.