Toastmasters

User478

User478

1
Social Anxiety nearly cost me my job. My boss said I didn't talk enough and that I should ask for help when needed. He recommended I go join a toastmasters group. But then he gave me a second chance in a different area of the company. Anyway, i'm still afraid of losing my job in the future, I'm scared of asking for help at my university labs, and all the other things in life that I'm missing because i'm too afraid...

I think toastmasters is some sort of international speech-making club, to improve speaking in front of large groups. Has anyone ever been to a toastmasters or is a member of toastmasters? Has this helped you with your anxiety or self confidence at all in one on one conversations, small or large groups?

http://www.toastmasters.org/

I'm looking for other solutions, as I really do not want to take any drugs or medication...
 
Zipper

Zipper

Well-known member
When I was seeing a therapist, he recommended this to me as well. I think it is a really good idea. I haven't done it for lack of time, but when I have more time I will definitely do it! I guess it is just a group of people who take turns giving speeches and public addresses to one another. It can help people get over anxiety about being in the public eye. Can't hurt to try! Right now, I don't think it would be very painful for me, but would be more of a lark. I could rant to others about things that my friends don't care to hear!
 
User478

User478

1
and another thing; I always thought that toastmaster groups were for people in their careers. So I don't think they have people my age there (i'm 18 by the way), which might make it even more difficult...
 
Vincent

Vincent

Banned
Toastmasters: A truly wonderful resource for SA

Ive been doing TMs for around about a year. I started it up in Taiwan, where I was the only native English speaker, and so drew alot of attention. I found it incredibly hard at first, but gradually got more comfortable with things. I had been teaching English to children for around two years by then. I had become somewhat desensitised to that, but also a little bored. I wanted more stimulation, and so thought that Toastmasters would be a good stepping stone in order to teach adults. I never did find out about that. I ended up starting Chinese lessons, quitting toastmasters and continuing with childrens teaching up until about six months ago.

At that time I returned to my hometown in New Zealand, and took up Toastmasters with a local group. It was different in that I wasn't a racial or language minority, but that didn't necessarily make it easier, just different. Again, it was hard, but I was more familiar with the format, so my confidence climbed much quicker. I even won some awards for best speech and table topic. I had won these too in Taiwan, but over there I thought it was biased on account of English not being their first language.

Its hard to say whether it affects how confident I am now. I have relocated in New Zealand and am yet to start with a new club. I can honestly say though, that when you do Toastmasters, your general social confidence will increase, inside and outside of the meetings. I think it can be considered behaviour/exposure therapy. If there are sessions with a councilor or therapist to discuss the outcome, then it would probably be the most effective.

TMs is quite forgiving I've found. Many people there are shy and or introverted. Some stutter, others shake their hands, but noone really judges negatively. Its hardest at the start, because then, noone knows your levels of anxiety. But once you've made your first speech, you will inevitably improve, and will be commended by all for that progress.

I highly recommend toastmaster to each and every person suffering from SA. It helps with specific social anxiety: prepared public speaking and generalised social anxiety: small talk and conversation. I'm studying psychology at University now, seeing a councilor and about to start taking Prozac. These factors combined with Toastmasters should assure a whole new level of confidence. I want to resume TMs and discuss what I learn with my councilor.

Best of luck with TMasters, feel free to email me.

[email protected]

Cheers.
 
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