Speak up with Toastmasters

Since the club started in 2017, members have embraced getting out of their comfort zones.

They have challenged themselves by doing prepared speeches, partaking in impromptu speaking, learning how to make toasts and fulfilling other meeting roles, such as being the timekeeper or grammarian at their club meetings.

“The secret to overcome the butterflies in your stomach is to learn how to make them fly in formation,” said vice-president of public relations, Zani Barrish.

“At Toastmasters you learn how to manage your anxiety when you speak in front of people and to find value in the nervous energy.”

Barrish references the Controlling your Fear Toastmasters manual from the Better Speaker Series, when she outlines three main methods to overcome your nerves:

1. Experience – Studies show that one of the best methods for reducing anxiety is practise. Repeatedly giving speeches reduces fear and helps to build confidence.

2. Visualisation – Research shows that vividly imagined events are recorded as memories. Mentally rehearsing employs thought processes to achieve positive results.

3. Relaxation – Because the mind and body are connected, feelings often affect the body physically. That is why breathing techniques before you speak will alleviate physical tension and calm the mind.

According to a survey done by Toastmasters International in July 2019, people join the organisation to become a more effective speaker, to build confidence in speaking and to become a better presenter.

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Crocodile Toastmasters was officially chartered in 2017 and has over 20 members.

The club meets every second and fourth Monday at 18:00 at the Southern Sun Emnotweni in Mbombela.

The club president, Martin Tobias, invites anyone interested in developing their public speaking or leadership skills to attend.

Interested parties can contact them via their Facebook page, Nelspruit Toastmasters Club.