In October 2018, my first Toastmasters meeting in Emirates Toastmasters Club sparked curiosity and nervous anticipation, but the warm welcome and diverse, inspiring speeches eased my apprehension.
Recognizing Toastmasters as a supportive space for communication and leadership growth, I officially joined with my line manager’s encouragement, discovering that it extends beyond public speaking to foster critical thinking, active listening, and effective leadership skills.
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
ZIG ZIGLAR
In Toastmasters, greatness begins with the courage to start, acknowledging that improvement is a journey forged through each step taken.
Chilling in the Ice … Breaker
In my debut public speaking experience during the “Ice Breaker” speech at Toastmasters on December 19, 2018, I felt a surge of nerves and chills.
Despite the initial challenge of standing before an audience, I joined Toastmasters to enhance my speaking skills and boost confidence. Despite nervousness during the speech, supportive rehearsals and encouragement from colleagues and Toastmasters members propelled me forward. Despite the initial embarrassment, positive feedback and encouragement from my speech evaluator and fellow ETC members spurred me to embrace continuous improvement, resulting in significant gains in confidence and personal development.
DTM Rajesh Menon, an experienced Toastmaster, took on the crucial role of evaluating my debut performance. As I spoke about my personal journey and aspirations, his discerning eyes and insightful feedback provided a roadmap for improvement.
Despite the initial nerves, DTM Rajesh’s encouraging words and constructive critique turned what could have been a daunting experience into a catalyst for growth. His mentorship ignited a spark of confidence, marking the beginning of a transformative Toastmasters journey where every evaluation became a stepping stone toward becoming a more skilled and assured communicator.
My Unforgettable Ice Breaker Speech Titled ‘Right Time’ Delivered on December 19, 2018.
