By Laurie Hirata

Has anyone ever asked you to say something at a wedding or a function for a special someone in your life, and although you have some really great stories, you just shudder at the thought? Or how about when you’ve signed up for a class, and you realize as you step in the room that your classmates are very intimidating? “That’s okay,” you think to yourself, “I’ll just sit here, relax, and learn.” But then the facilitator feels the need for some class bonding, and now you’re asked to say your name and department and a little something about yourself! WHAT? You think to yourself, “I’ll just sneak out to the bathroom now, and when I come back, it’ll all be over.”

Can you relate? I, like many others around the world, was terrified of speaking, even in a very small group.

Well, the good news is that since becoming a member of Toastmasters many years ago, I’ve finally gotten over my fear of speaking. In fact, I’ve had the privilege of emceeing our Outrigger Annual Conference, along with Dr. Chuck Kelley, women’s conferences with over 800 attendees, and have had the privilege of speaking in church, something that I feel very honored to do. This is a huge accomplishment for someone who once refused to attend functions for fear of facing a crowd.

When I approach someone and say, “Hey, why don’t you join our Toastmaster’s Club?” I usually get this “look,” which I translate into “Are you kidding?” They always very politely tell me, “No thanks.” But, as you read this article, I do hope you will decide that it’s time to “get your head out of the sand” and conquer your fear of speaking by checking out one of our meetings. You will be pleasantly surprised at how “safe and fun” they are.

We meet twice a month (2nd and 4th Wednesdays), and take December off for the holidays. That’s only 22 meetings a year for one hour during lunch (12 noon in the Learning Center). Com’on…what can you lose, except your fear of speaking!