1st Toastmaster’s 1st Place – Bold Moves

So, I L-O-V-E-D speaking at BlogHer in July. (Ask again, please!) It really awakened the idea that public speaking is something I’m naturally good at and would like to pursue.

Then I’ve gotten good feedback about my performance and that’s built my confidence.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to public speaking events and felt and urge to have the podium for myself.

The only problem is stage fright.

Marcus Buckingham, leading professional coach says we should pay attention to how we feel when we do certain tasks.

The adrenaline I feel before I speak in public is both nauseating and exhilarating. That would be the exhilarating adrenaline rush.

Martha Beck, in her new book Steering by Starlight, sites a source that maintains the only consistent way to maintain happiness a is to challenge ourselves with something just a little harder than we’ve already mastered. That’s where the nauseated fear comes in.

I went to a Toastmasters meeting Tuesday night. Toastmasters is a non-profit club where you can develop your speaking and speech-making skills. Once a week you practice speaking in public and taking constructive criticism that will help you get better.

I’ve discovered this about the world. We respect a bold move. People will honor and reward a bold move.

So, when they asked if a visitor would give an impromptu “table topics” speech – I stood up and rocked the house.

My question was . . . what dead person would I like to have dinner with?

Well, Dorothy Parker, of course.

I sat through the rest of the meeting critiquing what I should have said with what I actually said when on the spot.

But, still – I walked away with the 1st Place for Table Topics ribbon.

Seen any bold moves lately? Tried any yourself? Did it turn out in your favor or did it cause a backlash?

Photo Source: Me at BlogHer, Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me