This evening I attended my first Toastmasters meeting. It was held at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park––that building behind the trees. The setting is almost beautiful enough not to make you scared silly, isn't it?
The prez said that before I choose a group to join I might want to try out several different locations, because each club has its own personality. Then someone mentioned the fact that one of their members makes chocolate truffles for a living and often brings them to meetings. Wow. I was sure that this group is the one I would want to join, though they seemed surprised that I thought wine would be served. Toastmasters + no wine = false advertising, don't you think?
3 comments:
I have never, ever heard a negative comment about Toastmasters ~ good for you of course stick with sweet treats too.
public speaking?
"Public" speaking and speaking in general. Listening and talking on the phone.
They did an exercise called Table Topics where you're asked a question on the spot. I said I'd give it a try, and finished my reply in 5 or 10 seconds. Then I noticed the others, when called on, stood up and spoke and spoke and spoke. I thought, Why are they going on and on and on and taking so much time? Is it really necessary?
Later I realized that for this exercise you're supposed to speak for 1 to 2 minutes. And I also realized that talking for one to two minutes can seem like an eternity (depending for sure on what your topic is and how enthusiastic you are about it.)
It was a fascinating experience because I noticed for a little while afterwards that I DID listen more carefully and that I was able to organize thoughts in my head (as opposed to on paper) a bit better.
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