Navigate Public Speaking Skills

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

July 15, 2013

What do public speaking and kayaking have in common? I was talking to an acquaintance about his recent kayaking experience. He asked a friend to drop him off in the upper end of the Robinson River in Madison County to kayak the river solo. He described the experience with a sense of trepidation and acknowledged that he should not have tried this. What went wrong, I asked. He said that as he was paddling, a very large water moccasin appeared and began to approach the kayak. Fortunately, the 3’ snake lost interest and turned away. However, the experience left him realizing that he should not have gone on this trip alone.

When it comes to public speaking, I find that many get the same sense of fear as having a 3’ water moccasin approaching their boat. They are not sure what to do and at that point there is no way to prepare for the situation. Opportunity intersects with fear. The same lesson applies to public speaking as it does to the kayaker, do not try to go it alone. There are many others in the same boat trying to navigate public speaking solo.

I have great news for those interested in finding fellow public speakers in a safe and rewarding environment. The Toastmasters have begun a new chapter in Culpeper that meets at noon on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the lower level of Virginia Community Bank. In addition, there are meetings in the evenings on the first and third Tuesday evenings at the same location beginning at 7 PM. For more information go to Culpeper.Toastmastersclubs.org.

The name Toastmasters is misleading. Many think that this is where you go to develop good “Toasting” skills. Though this is true, it is not the primary purpose. The organization offers an opportunity to become a better in public speaker at all levels. The types of public speaking varies like the types of kayaks for different waterways. The modules include areas such as storytelling, comedy, professional presentations, and many others. Most importantly, the organization facilitates a safe and progressive environment to paddle to success with a great skill.

Join the others in your boat, looking for fun and fellowship, to navigate the waters of public speaking.