🍸Joining Toastmasters After 20 Years of Avoidance

Pass the Mic...

For more than twenty years, I knew I should probably join Toastmasters. I had heard about the benefits. I knew it could help me become a better communicator, and deep down, I felt an big tug toward public speaking. Yet year after year, I found reasons not to do it.

Part of the problem was that I had convinced myself that I was terrified of public speaking. I sit somewhere in between being an extrovert and introvert, but I lean toward being quiet, introspective, and reflective. Furthermore, the longer I avoided public speaking, the larger the fear became. What started as simple nervousness grew into a huge vicious monster in my imagination.

Eventually, I realized that if I truly wanted to help more people, speaking was not optional. So, I signed up.

💁‍♀️The Behind-the-Scenes Prep (The "How")

One thing that made the leap easier was having support. My wife, who has absolutely no fear of public speaking, joined Toastmasters with me. Additionally, from the very beginning, the Delray Toastmasters community was welcoming, supportive, and completely non-threatening. Nobody expected perfection. Nobody was waiting for me to fail.

Of course, I made mistakes. I forgot things and I felt nervous and my voice cracked. However, something important happened. Every time I spoke, I survived and actually improved.

The feedback was constructive and encouraging. Members offered gentle critiques, practical advice, and constant support. Slowly, I began to realize something profound: no matter what happens during your speech, you don't actually die.

The fear that had grown for twenty years subsided surprisingly quickly, and I realized that I enjoyed public speaking.

⚡The High-Thrive Moment

The biggest takeaway wasn't becoming a better speaker.

It was discovering what existed on the other side of fear.

Joining Toastmasters opened doors that simply would not have existed otherwise. For example, it gave me the confidence to lead workshops, speak at Chamber events, appear on podcasts, and eventually even write and promote a book. Opportunities that once felt completely out of reach suddenly became available because I was willing to take the uncomfortable step forward.

Looking back, the hardest part wasn't public speaking. The hardest part was waiting twenty years to begin and then having the courage to take action.

If there's one lesson I learned, it's this: Step through the fear door, because you might be surprised by what's waiting on the other side.

💬 What's something you've been putting off because it feels intimidating or uncomfortable? Leave a comment and tell us about a fear you faced—or one you're considering facing now. We'd love to hear your story!

Lou | Thrive A/F Team