A Message From the President

Greetings Speakers and Speakers-to-be,

Behavioral experts will tell you everyday that the biggest fear in the civilized world is public speaking. That’s right, it actually ranks higher than the fear of dying. While I’m not a behavioral expert I agree with this statement. Because the day I was scheduled to do my first public speech I was secretly wishing that my car would get stolen. Since no one wanted a 1988 Toyota pick up that clings and clangs that wasn’t happening.  I even  wished I would get sick, not death bed sick, but enough to give me a good excuse not to show up that night.

I was terrified! But I did it, and my life changed that night. I had a newfound confidence. Since I beat my number one fear in the world, the rest of my world opened up. Now what else can I do? There is nothing more liberating than coming face to face with your fear, shoving it down and then stepping over it and seeing all of these doors open that you never imagined you would have access to.

Since that night I’ve won multiple awards for speaking, been invited to speak in front of several organizations, schools, presented in workshops, been on TV and radio and I have authored a book. None of this would have ever happened if I didn’t show up to speak that one night.

If you have a fear of public speaking there is no magic formula to beat it. You just have to start speaking in front of crowds. Not very profound I know, but it’s the truth. Now you can either do it on somone else’s watch in front of a hostile and judgmental crowd, where a grade or even your job may be on the line, or you can do it on your time. In a positive, non-judgemental environment where you are surrounded by people who understand your fears and are there to help you every step of the way.  A place where you can make your mistakes and it’s okay.

That’s what you get when you attend a Memphis Advanced Toastmasters meeting.  So if you’re on the fence about joining come check us out. We’re friendly. We don’t bite.

Mike T.

A New beginning

Now that we are half way through 2016, have you thought about where you want to be by the end of this year? Do you want a promotion? Are your communication skills helping your career or hindering it? Could you improve your confidence in your business and personal conversations?

Memphis Advanced Toastmasters can help you with all these things and more. Through Toastmasters you can learn not only communication but leadership skills in a warm, friendly environment. A Memphis Advanced Toastmasters Club meeting isn’t anything like that speech class you took in school. There are no grades or final exams. Instead you will find a lively group of welcoming adults from various professions and walks of life. You will find helpful mentors and motivating challenges that will have you improving your skills in a relatively painless and definitely entertaining environment.

How Does It Work?

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure. Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking.

~ Toastmasters International

Come by and visit during a meeting and see for yourself. This is NOT your speech class. Memphis Advanced Toastmasters is a supportive, entertaining, and motivating group of individuals who are striving to improve their leadership and communication skills. Come check us out! We meet at the IHOP on Sycamore View Road, Memphis (See map on right).

We look forward to meeting you!