This story is going to be self-indulgent. It’s all about me and my most notorious discomfort. If I still got you hooked, read on.
Public speaking
I decided to speak in front of a group of strangers not just to experience the chills without running past a pack of wild dogs, but to be better at articulation.
The sun was out and beating down on my face with gusto.
After a near unending hustle with the directions, I reached my destination that rested upon a dead-end and I couldn’t help but recognize the metaphor.
It’s just not worth the effort. You could be using that time to catfish your crush. Or crush some catfish”, chided my brave mind.
Brushing away the inspiring seeds growing in my head, I squeezed myself into the elevator and could hear the tittle-tattle of my would-be audience.
First floor
A dark cloud settled around me.
And the weather forecast showed it was going nowhere.
Second floor
Oh my, my mouth is drier than a sun-dried tomato.
Third floor
I wish Aladdin could swoop me in on his magic carpet and drop me in the safety net of my home..
I struggle out of my wrestling thoughts and make my way out of the elevator and to the hall and complete the registration process.
The host’s joy was infectious. Spreading from her to me, and nestling somewhere comfortably.
We talked for a while and then she left to help someone else. But my smile stayed.
At that moment, I stroke off the possibility of being deceased due to anxiety out of my list.
Stepping inside the hall, I was handed over a sticker of my name and I meandered searching for a spot to enjoy the upcoming events.
The meeting begins and my mind is left in awe of all the Toastmasters in the community as they are introduced one after the other, owing to their unique roles and personalities. Seasoned speakers grace the meeting with their personal anecdotes with such flamboyance and grace. Each of their thoughts had a taste and it made up for an interesting buffet.
Toastmasters is an organization that enables members to improve communication skills in a safe, encouraging, supportive environment.
People are often confused by the name “Toastmasters.” Some think it’s about learning how to give toasts at events. A few even think the organization has something to do with making a toast or several toasts.
If the name “Toastmasters” sounds old-fashioned, it could be because the organization’s roots go back to 1924 when Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting of what would eventually become Toastmasters International.
During the events of the community, I had completely forgotten all about my fears and my cheeks hurt with all the smiling and laughing.
Later in the day…
Table topics rolled in. A show of hands and the words-curator would pick the newbies to speak on anything/everything about a given topic for a solid minute, at least.
I stumble across the way and find myself in front of 50+ people. All eyes on me. The silence is so deafening that I could cut it with a fork (A fork because knives are violent).
Quaking in my boots, I start off with a humorous take on my fears and end up making the audience giggle for a bit. Gradually, I complete my speech and I am welcomed with thunderous applause despite my mediocrity.
Heh! I survived, with a dash of surprise.
Soon after the results were announced, I found myself in hysteria.
57 seconds.
Fifty-seven seconds.
3 seconds short of a minute. Whoops, disqualified! What a bummer.
If only I could have coughed for 3 seconds!
I picked up whatsoever remained of my self-confidence and began to trudge over with all the excitement of a rat sent to test landmines….
When suddenly, few people walk up to me and congratulate me on my decent attempt. It takes me a moment to gather myself and find my voice to answer.
It was one of my golden of the golden retrievers' moment. It only takes one(or few) to bring some sunshine to a cloudy day.
I can confidently say it was a wonderful feeling.
I didn’t get cut up into pieces and fed to a Kookaburra.
I’ll be back for more. Without an ounce of doubt.
