A couple years ago, I walked into a Toastmasters meeting to see if it may help prepare me for an upcoming workshop I was presenting later in the year. I never dreamed how much I would come to appreciate this group of speakers.
I’ve shared on various occasions how I feel about Toastmasters. It has helped me become a better writer and it has helped give me more confidence. I am also one helluva speaker now.
Tonight I practiced a presentation I will be giving to AAZK National Conference in Denver on October 6. It still needs a little finesse but it is so much better than when I first presented it three months ago. Why? Because the feedback from my peers is incredible, and they make me a better speaker. They show me where I need to clarify, and what I can emphasize. I practice and see how long my talk takes me in real time. I can see where I need to amp up my talk and where I need to dial it in just a little.
What’s great to me is the many walks of life found in a Toastmasters meeting. There are business professionals, writers like me, retired folks looking for enrichment in their lives. I probably wouldn’t have ever thought to befriend some of these wonderful people if it hadn’t been for Toastmasters.
And, yes, through Toastmasters, I am making the world a better place. I have the speaking ability and knowledge to pursue other manners of reaching my audience. I was talking to another fitness professional today who encouraged me to start using Instagram and YouTube to promote ZooFit and my principles of Conservation Fitness.
So, when I come home from Denver, I have a lot of exciting projects in store. In addition to releasing Principles of Eating Green and Conservation Fitness 30 Day Challenge Guide, I am going to launch a YouTube vlog and regular videos. Content will be more in-depth on my pillars of Training Positive (operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, exercise, developing healthy habits), Eating Green (eating habits and recipes), and Living Green (workout equipment, eco-wellness, conservation).
Find your tribe, and become motivated to show the world the best version of yourself. Get by with the help of your friends.