1. Award(s) from Toastmasters International to date
Just Competent Communicator
2. Most challenging speech or project
The first one – Ice Breaker. It was had to talk about myself to complete strangers, strive to not make it too boring, and just in general get over the fear of speaking in front of people.
3. Most memorable speech or project
Project 5 – Your Body Speaks
I used the traditional children’s tale of Goldilocks but gave it a very twisted ending that surprised everyone in the room. I had a lot of fun practicing for that speech, especially in front of my son, who warned me the speech was a bit too violent and maybe my friends would be scared.
4. Where do you feel you have most improved leading up to your award(s)
I have gained a lot of confidence. I’m more willing to speak up in group settings other than Toastmasters whereas before I would just have kept quiet. I still get butterflies before a speech, but I’m not frozen by them.
5. What advice do you have for members of rdu-toastmasters working towards similar recognition
Just keep on going, practice, practice, practice. I like to practice my speeches aloud in the car while driving to and from work, the clock in the car acts as my timer. Practicing out loud lets me play with voice levels and change out words that look good on paper but just don’t flow when speaking.
