I’ve been silenced by fear too long. This year I decided enough was enough, and I made it my mission to face one of my worst fears, Public Speaking. I knew the completion of an online course or a self-help book, was not enough. I wasn’t strong enough to do this on my own and when doors of opportunity opened, I needed to be prepared to enter. I refused to allow fear to continue to steal my joy and block my blessings, so I joined an educational organization called Toastmasters International. This professional organization teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Our local club, Greenville, NC Toastmasters, offers the opportunity to prepare and practice your public speaking skills in safety and one of the greatest benefits of being a member is the immediate feedback received after speaking. I attended meetings for about 4 months, I sat in the background, watched and supported others. Finally one of the club officers approached me and I shared my fear of speaking with him. Mr. William Tran, I’ll never forget his words, “if you don’t present a speech, I’m afraid you’ll be wasting an incredible opportunity.” I didn’t realize it but fear was controlling me again. I was a paid club member and serving as an officer, but I wasn’t speaking. It’s so easy to hide among the crowd or behind my computer screen. It’s insane how easy it is to deceive one’s self. This is why community MATTERS! Accountability is so vital to growth and maturity.
I don’t know what your struggle is, but don’t try to face it on your own. You need accountability, you need fresh eyes and ears on your situation. You need someone to tell you that if you remain in hiding, and continue to convince yourself that you’re ok, you’ll miss out on wonderful opportunities that await you.
I can be a runner, so my first move was to block all escape routes, I asked to be placed on the next meeting agenda as a speaker. I prepared and presented my first speech to the club, it wasn’t perfect but it was finished! I did it, and to my surprise, the club members voted me best speaker of the evening! My evaluator and peers gave me amazing feedback and a possible networking opportunity was unveiled. I will be an amazing public speaker, I have something to say and I will no longer be silenced by fear. All this new confidence and revelation revealed simply because I connected with a community of like-minded people, allowed a fellow member to hold me accountable, and decided to finally SPEAK UP!!!
I’m no different than you are, choose to STAND UP and STEP OUT in faith today. You’ve got this, if you need help, reach out.
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