Fear or Fear Not

Have you ever been in an interview when you just blanked out? Or maybe you lost track of the point you were trying to make? Do you wonder and worry about what to say? Feel anxious, nervous, or scared at even the thought of sitting in the hot seat or facilitating an important presentation before clients or colleagues? Well, you're not alone!

In my practice, nearly every day I hear clients reference their fear of speaking or their fear of interviewing. While I love helping clients practice their communication skills, I'm also a raving fan of Toastmasters International. This particular organization can enrich your communication skills and abilities in so many valuable ways.

If you've decided it's high time to do something about your fear of speaking, TMI might be right for you, if you'd like to:

• become a more effective presenter, speaker, leader, job candidate
• boost your confidence in prepared or impromptu speaking
• increase your skill in leading / motivating teams and conducting meetings
• minimize your reliance on connectors of ah's, um's, uh's, and er's
• learn how to give and receive constructive evaluations
• improve your overall listening skills

There are over 200,000 members in 10,000+ clubs in nearly 90 countries. Find a club near you. I can assure you this organization will change you for the better. What you learn will stay with you for a lifetime.

Comments

[Kristen Hudson]

Toastmasters is a great way to improve your public speaking skills both for future interviews, and for building leadership skills for job promotion.

Many clients I work with desire to move into management positions, but lack the experience that many companies require. Toastmasters provides a way for people to really learn and improve both their speaking and leadership skills. I encourage people to join Toastmasters when they want to get promoted, but lack leadership experience.

Great post!