In front of me sat sixty armed men and women. All of them with a look that can be best characterized as disgusted boredom. It was my task to speak to these folks about the fascinating world of crime analysis.
I nervously ascended the stage, stood behind the lectern, and uttered “Hunnhhh-good morning, ladies and gentlemen”. My voice cracked as if I had not successfully completed puberty. Their laughter did not bolster my confidence. I went from a pre-teen getting the nerve to talk to a cute girl to a blubbering fool like Don Knotts in “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken”. The next forty-five minutes seemed to go on forever; I dropped my notes, my hands shook uncontrollably, I perspired profusely, and hyperventilated. I read the critiques from the audience; one still sticks out in my mind. It simply said, “Replace him”. I felt I was the worst speaker in the world.
The preceding is a description of my first public speaking experience. I was working for the State police as a crime analyst. One of my duties was to explain to the investigators the capabilities of the analyst section. Until that day, I had somehow avoided public speaking. Going into the auditorium I felt confident that I knew my subject matter and could relate it well to my audience. As my allotted time grew close, I became increasingly more nervous. I forgot how to breathe and was happy that my suit jacket hid the growing sweat pools around my armpits. I lost it completely when I got on stage and looked out into the audience. These investigators were veterans in undercover narcotics; most looked like the seedy criminal element that they encountered. I lost my composure and never regained it; much to their twisted delight. When I mercifully left the stage, I vowed that I would never be that pitiful again. No matter what it took, as God as my witness, I would become a confident public speaker.
The next day I joined the Today Toastmasters Club. As a member of Today Toastmasters, I learned the nuts and bolts of effective presentations; I learned tricks of the trade; and, most importantly I had the opportunity to practice my craft in a safe environment. The members of the club were (and still are) very supportive and full of the encouragement…..exactly what a beginning speaker needs. I am happy to say that since my painful initiation into public speaking and with practice, I’ve gotten pretty good at public speaking. I, honestly, owe any skill I have to my time with Toastmasters. If you want to improve your skills, gain confidence, and not be as pitiful as I was, visit a local Toastmasters club….preferably the Today Toastmasters Club.