© irene waters 2016
I don’t have a problem raising my voice and speaking out on issues that I am passionate about. I can write letters without hesitation and raise my voice in the crowd protesting injustices against humanity and happenings that will adversely effect our earth in our time and in our children’s. If I’m passionate enough I can even stand and make my solo voice be heard in a crowded room. But I have to be passionate.
Normally, I shrink in a classroom, unable to even ask the question that is burning on my lips. Unable to share the information that would be of benefit to the rest of the students. I am unable to speak out. It is no different for me in a social situation where I am amongst strangers. I will hang on the edge. My internal voice will be berating me, pushing me forward but I am resistant. I don’t listen and nor do I speak out. I leave these gatherings feeling socially isolated and inadequate.
When I joined Toastmasters the purpose was to get me to a position where I was comfortable pitching my manuscript Nightmare in Paradise to a publisher or at a writers festival. Public speaking is an activity that has many petrified. It has been shown that more people would prefer to be in the coffin than giving a eulogy. Toastmasters was going to help me overcome this fear.
What I didn’t realise on joining Toastmasters was that the biggest benefit I would gain would be unfreezing in social situations and when my voice was solo in a venue. Practice at impromptu speaking with the segment in Toastmasters called table topics was going to make me more comfortable to speak out. I still have a long way to go. I haven’t mastered it yet but I am on the way. And what a thrill it was to receive the President’s Award for a table topics I was asked to present (impromptu) at the last meeting.
© irene waters 2017
In response to the Weekly Discover challenge
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Congratulations on your award.
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Thank you Lauren.
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The mouse that roared – and had something important to say! Congratulations on finding that you can speak and should be heard.
I have another blogging friend who writes about her experiences with Toastmasters, always a positive moment for her too.
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Yes it is a skill which comes naturally to some and for those it doesn’t thank heavens for toastmasters. We have been seeing the needed rain you have been getting but the frightening consequences. Hope you and your family are okay.
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We’re fine, thank you, not in a flood zone. But these huge trees have been falling, not just our eucalyptus but all kinds of big trees whose root areas are getting so soggy, there’s nothing to hold the trees in place. I love trees and forests, but trees used as landscaping in suburban homes are often the wrong kind. My heart aches for those whose luck is not so good – still worried for those south of the Oroville Dam. Crews are working like crazy to shore up the weakened and broken spillway, but no one is declaring safety yet. Almost 200,000 people are in danger, their towns could be submerged if the dam gives completely.
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We have that problem after a drought followed by flooding rains. As you say, okay when planted in the right place, otherwise beware. Hope they save the dam. That would be terrifying.
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So good that you shared this! Congratulations on learning to speak up, and winning the award for table topics! I was a member some years ago, but with teaching and raising a family, I just couldn’t keep up with the ‘homework’! I remember table topics, and some of the other activities. I think there was a very important first speech I gave. It was so nerve wracking! But as I grow older, the whole ego thing we sometimes buy into is gone, and I say whatever I feel like saying! So I guess that’s progress!
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Thanks Diane. I think everyone remembers their icebreaker speech. Losing that fear is a real positive to ageing. Definite progress.
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lol Noosa is just up the road from me, moving from Alex to Tweed Friday … so glad you are finding a voice!
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Very close. We could have held our own bloggers bash event. Good luck with your move. Hope you are blessed with good weather for it. Nothing worse than moving in the rain.
I have a long way to go but it is a good feeling not being quite so stricken and tongue-tied in strangers company. Thank you.
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well done you, such a shame we didn’t meet!
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Never say never. All the best with relocating and finding that paddock.
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at least we’re close, met Miriam and she’s from Melbourne 😉
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And there is Norah in Brisbane. We are probably dotted up and down the coast. Six degrees of separation.
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yes, maybe Brisbane is the middle ground, let’s think about a meeting for lunch one day?
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Sounds good but after the madness of holidays.
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Not soon, I move Friday … give me time to settle 🙂
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Absolutely. Having moved twice last year I know move stress.
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did you read my poem on conversation, you are mentioned in it?
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Yes I did – thanks to your prompt and boy am I honoured you could almost say I’m tongue tied.
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lol that might be important if you talked more 😉
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Haha.
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