Nice and Toasty

I'm working to become a professional speaker. I joined a Toastmasters group and love it!

And all Toastmasters groups aren't alike. I attended one 15 years ago that was quite serious and somewhat stuffy. The group I'm in now is great! They are laid back, and we have some of the funniest meetings!

This, coming from a very introverted person. Ever heard Mel Robbin's talk show - she's at www.melrobbins.com. She encouraged me to "get out there" rather than keeping myself in my poetography book.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michele Rhoten on May 29, 2009 at 1:16am

Rebecca,

It is wonderful that you are "getting out there" and Toastmasters can be a great start. What topics do you want to speak about???

Michele

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Koos on May 29, 2009 at 2:07am

My umbrella movement is Spirit Your Reality - it's about connection, about spirituality. My topics would advocate for: Brain Tumor Survivors / Animal Welfare / The Fair Tax / Hydrogen Fuel Cells (green energy) / The Hearing Impaired.

Rebecca

Permalink Reply by Nigel D. Alston on May 30, 2009 at 12:11am

What excites you about speaking?

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Koos on May 30, 2009 at 3:56am

What excites me? Uh, nothing......total fear in my body. But with my spirit I am excited about sharing what I have learned and experienced in life.

Having a brain stem tumor in 1985 has shaped a good portion of myself. And there have also been pivotal moments - like in 1980 when a strange man walked up to me in a department store and gave me a beautiful white handkerchief. I want to share the need for connection in this country, in this world.

When I get my website redone, hopefully it will explain it better.

Permalink Reply by Wesley Clark on November 11, 2009 at 12:07pm

Great advice on Toastmasters...and Mel Robbins! I have been involved with Toastmasters for about 4 years. I started several months before I had to make a huge presentation/teaching at an international conference in England and the confidence I developed as well as the skills and refinement of my presentation made a tremendous difference. I am now the president of my Toastmasters club!

Wes

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Koos on November 11, 2009 at 2:01pm

Yeah, it's been a good experience. I became our groups treasurer......and found that I am really good about finding solutions to difficult situations. Our past treasurer embezzled over $4k....The solution I've given to Toastmasters International: revert accounting responsibilities from club treasurers to TI itself. We members are paying them, but we're also doing their work.

I'm going to be giving my 10th speech this month -- it's about our unique house (has an indoor atrium) and that we are selling it. We will be living full-time in a 43' RV and travelling around the continent. Hopefully I'll be speaking as well, just not quite there yet.