I didn't know....when I first joined our Toastmasters club that in a short space of time, I would lose the overwhelming feeling of my heart banging in my chest and the doom of blankness whilst giving a presentation to an audience.
I didn't know that I would be supported by an audience, who had been in the same position as you and I....nervous about public speaking.
I didn't know that my creativity would be unleashed in my speeches and that I would develop skills to inspire an audience and be able to make them laugh!
I didn't know that I would develop leadership skills and assist with running of club meetings and be a member of the club committee, not once, twice or three terms of office, but now on my fourth term.
I didn't know that I would develop new friendships and have fun with like minded people.
Joining Strictly Speaking Harrogate was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has opened my eyes to so many things and made my life richer for it.
I made a commitment to myself, that I would put myself forward to do either a speech or a meeting role at every meeting. I urge you to make that commitment too. In a short space of time, you'll notice the quietening of the paradiddle of your heart and the lessening of the grip of word amnesia in order to become a proficient public speaker.