There are many ways to become a public speaker. The starting point is to stand before an audience and speak. It does not matter what size your audience is; the first step is always to stand and speak.
Some people go on to speak in front of an audience of hundreds or even thousands but many of us speak before smaller audience; maybe of only a few colleagues or friends. We might be asked to give a speech or a presentation to work colleagues or to chair a meeting. That first step remains the same;- get up and speak.
‘Get up and speak’, it sounds so simple and yet that is usually the most daunting step of all. Wouldn’t it be great if there were some way of learning how to stand before an audience; some course or club to give advice, guidance and skills?
The good news is that such clubs do exist. The most well-known and respected clubs are part of the Toastmasters International organisation.
In a Toastmasters club, you will meet like-minded people, you will be entered into their education program, and you’ll be given opportunities to practice public speaking in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
I will be open with you. I am the Vice-President of one Toastmaster Club, Gloucester Speakers, and I can assure you I would not have taken on that position if I did not feel the organisation was effective in teaching its members the public speaking skills they need.
Club members come from all backgrounds an d have a wide range of interests. They may come to learn public speaking to improve their work-life, to develop new skills, or for the pleasure of sharing their speeches with an audience. Many have gone on to achieve success in their chosen fields.
So if you want to learn public speaking, seek out a local Toastmasters club.
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