Toastmasters
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 4:02PM As many of us progress through our career, we are going to have to engage in public speaking.
For many people, this can be one of the scariest things.
At this year's Blackhat and DEFCON, there were many speakers I really wanted to hear. I waited for 1 hour to get into their talk. About 5 minutes later, I walked out because they were stuttering and saying the word "um" too much. It was a disapointment.
There is a solution. Toastmasters. Some of us have great ideas but can't communicate them effective or get nervous. I used to be one of those people. After being involved in Toastmasters, I overcame my fear of public speaking and filled out some CFP. When I spoke at Derbycon, I was lucky enough to have a Toastmaster provide awesome feedback and help my further improvement. That is what Toastmasters is about. Helping people by shared learning (Kind of like Derbycon!).
Since 1924, more than 4 million people around the world have become more confident speakers and leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Today, membership is 270,000 strong. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 13,000 clubs that make up our global network of meeting locations.
Membership in Toastmasters is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. At $36 every six months, it is also one of the most cost-effective skill-building tools available anywhere.
You don't have to join to goto a meeting. I went for 2 months before I joined. I have been a member for 2 years since.
Toastmasters in General
Reader Comments (1)
Hello,
Thanks for this info, and I agree with what you have said. I am scared when it comes to public speaking and after reading this blog I have sent a request to the nearest ToastMaster in my area in India.
Thanks .
Regards