The TSFC Forum move has been rescheduled to August 10, 2010.

SpiderThug · #1 August 15, 2009, 07:31 PM

I am a member of Toastmasters International which is an international organisation which primarily is where we learn how to speak in front of other people as well as teaching skills of leadership, networking, having fun while learning, etc. As my speech is affected TS and Dystonia(only found out about the Dystonia), I use Toastmasters to help me control it.

I also find that if I haven't done anything with Toastmasters for some months, my confidence takes a bit of a battering. My club members have been mad enough to make their Club President of 2009-2010.

I'm taking the club into the multimedia age as most people coming in for a look, have been looking on the internet and struggle to find us but for the International website. So I set up a blog and a YouTube account. I am trying to convince others in my club to have themselves recorded for the internet pages the club has so I took the position of going first since I am the one pushing for it.

My speech here is from the advance speaking manual, 'Storytelling' where I have to tell a folktale. I took the 3 Little Pigs and completely changed from the characters to who are actually the good and bad guys.

I made this from recording my voice with my phone while my eldest child took some photos of me while I gave the speech.

"Dan Dingo's Revenge!"
Revenge

tourettetiger · #2 October 12, 2009, 01:30 PM

Hey, a fellow Ticcing Toastmaster!

SpiderThug · #3 October 13, 2009, 01:29 AM

How long have you been with Toastmasters and what roles do you take on if any? Oh, and what speaking manual are you currently completing?

tourettetiger · #4 October 14, 2009, 11:45 AM

Been in off and on for six years. I have my CC - took a long time but I spent a great deal of TMI time mentoring and doing club leadership stuff. I'm not working on a manual right now, although the "comedy" and "story telling" manuals look juicy! I actually won a ribbon for being Grammarian once. That was very cool - it's my favorite role. I was always asked to be a role model and guide for folks who do not come naturally to speaking - I really enjoy speaking to groups, as some of the members of this forum will attest - so I'm a freak as far as most people's opinions when it comes to giving speeches.

For those of you wondering what we're talking about, Toastmasters is a FABULOUS resource for learning how to hold meetings, organize, lead, write, and speak. Anyone who has helped put on a TSFC conference knows this is an important skill. Personally I think it should be mandatory for any corporate executive or school administrator... :-) The group is huge, international, and has NO political or religious agenda of any kind. I recommend it very highly. I also think it would be a great way to get Touretters together in a supportive, contructive setting without it being specifically about TS+.

Steve · #5 October 14, 2009, 12:11 PM

Would Toastmasters be an appropriate or useful setting for someone dealing with social anxiety? Does Toastmasters concentrate solely on public speaking skills and delivery techniques or are other skills such as interpersonal skills, confidence building and memory improvement?

tourettetiger · #6 November 3, 2009, 12:39 PM

Steve, those are great questions. Sorry I missed it. Yes, Toastmasters teaches all those things: mentoring is a huge part of the Toastmasters mission. A good TM mentor will address all these things and more, based on your needs.

I would love to see a Tic and Toastmasters club pop up somewhere.

SpiderThug · #7 November 3, 2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

Would Toastmasters be an appropriate or useful setting for someone dealing with social anxiety? Does Toastmasters concentrate solely on public speaking skills and delivery techniques or are other skills such as interpersonal skills, confidence building and memory improvement?

It cetainly can help with social anxieties. If there are more than one club in your area, then you can visit all of them, letting them know the reason you are there. You will know if it is the right club for you by how they respond to your needs. A supportive club will see you through your progress.

There was a story of a woman in a Toastmasters club here in Queensland, Australia. When she started her first speaking manual exercises, she hid behind the lectern so nobody could see her and her see them. She spoke to them in this manner. By the time she reached her 10th exercise, she was speaking confidently away from the lectern

Here is the International webpage so you can search for a club near you: http://www.toastmasters.org/
Find club; http://reports.toastmasters.org/findaclub/

SpiderThug · #8 November 3, 2009, 09:37 PM

On Saturday, 7 November(3 days time), the Area 4(District 69) Conference is on here in Rockhampton, Queensland(Australia). I will be there in roles. One being the President of the local club and, as a competitor in two fields; Evaluator & International.

It's my 2nd go at Evaluation and my first go at the International competition.

SpiderThug · #9 November 9, 2009, 05:13 AM

I entered both the Evaluation and International Speech competition representing my club at Area level. I came 2nd in the Evaluation. There were 3 people competing for International and I did not win. It was very competitive.

SpiderThug · #10 March 13, 2010, 01:25 AM

Only four months left of my time as a Club President. Done a lot too. Been a good year to date.

Now I'm waiting to hear the formal announcement of who is the Area 4 Governor(Central Division, District 69) as I am the only nominee to date. That would be from July, 2010 to June, 2011.