One of the major decisions that have impacted me positively is joining the Toastmasters organization two years back. Interestingly enough, I was in the mailing list of the NUS club since 2002 but I never went for a single meeting. And the best part is I had no slightest clue what Toastmasters is. In fact, I thought it was some kind of political organization.

And then in mid 2004, I joined SpeechCraft, a four week public speaking workshop facilitated by Terence Lin, who later became my speech mentor. Coincidentally he was also the NUS past president and a distinguished Toastmasters. His passion for public speaking rubbed off on me. And I finally went to check out the NUS club and joined that very day.

Come to think of it… if not for Toastmasters, I will not have been who I am today…

I will not dare speak in front of crowds as huge as 500 people.

I will continue to stammer and shake in front of strangers.

I will have lost an avenue to express myself.

I will not consider training or coaching as a career (which means a great deal to me now!)

I will not have met so many wonderful people in Toastmasters who have inspired me to follow my passion.

I will not venture into the Toastmastering scene in US and compete at the Humorous Contest or the International Speech Contest.

I will not have the experience of being with an audience that appreciates me and cheers for me.

I will not have known what it is like to take center stage.

I will not have met my current mentor Kelvin whom I was introduced to by Adrian, the VP of Membership at that time.

I will not have been featured on Straits Time for my Toastmasters achievements.

I will not have the once-in-a-lifetime opportuntity to help people conquer their fear of speaking and make a difference in their lives…
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Come to think of it, this blog will not have exist…

Wow, here’s the impact of one decision. So how will your life change if you joined the Toastmasters?

Check out Scott’s thoughts on Toastmasters: Why you should join Toastmasters?

Here’s another post I have wrote some time back on accelerating your growth as a speaker by setting yourself up to succeed. Joining Toastmasters is one such way, since everyone there are extremely encouraging which makes it less frightening to be up on stage. Furthermore, you get feedback each time you speak which ensures that you improve. Click Set yourself up to succeed
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Any burning questions to ask? Send them to eric@ericfeng.com and I will get back to you asap. Meanwhile, enjoy the articles at Public Speaking for All!
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