Public speaking struggles and Toastmasters

[starspells]

I was interested in joining because I've always hated public speaking and felt like it would be a good way to work on my communication skills (an important skill to have as a physician, I'm aware!). I am definitely someone who lets nerves get the best of me and I am worried about this being a problem for future interviews and just any future presentation I have in general where I have to speak to wider audiences.

I am curious about people's experiences with Toastmasters. Did you feel like it helped in general (presentations, interviews, etc.). Is there a fee? Do you go whenever you want or is there a strict schedule?

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[To be MD]

I was interested in joining because I've always hated public speaking and felt like it would be a good way to work on my communication skills (an important skill to have as a physician, I'm aware!). I am definitely someone who lets nerves get the best of me and I am worried about this being a problem for future interviews and just any future presentation I have in general where I have to speak to wider audiences.

I am curious about people's experiences with Toastmasters. Did you feel like it helped in general (presentations, interviews, etc.). Is there a fee? Do you go whenever you want or is there a strict schedule?

I have 0 experience with toastmasters, their fee schedule, or their actual schedule... but I know who they are as an organization.

If you do it, it will improve your public speaking skills.

 

[lowkey_md]

I've never done it, but I've heard good things about toastmasters. There's also a myriad of other ways to work on public speaking, from volunteering to be the group spokesperson at every opportunity; poster presentations of research; joining extracurriculars like debate, model UN, student government, etc., or even working on a political campaign! The best way is to find something that relates to what you already enjoy so that it motivates you to confront public speaking for passion's sake.

 

[DingoPingo]

I did Toastmasters in high school and in college. You first go as a guest to some Toastmasters meetings. It will be free to go as a guest, and you can see if you like it or not (I went as a guest throughout high school since minimum age is 18). Once you decide you've found the right club for you, you can sign up for a Toastmasters membership, which is like an annual fee of like $50 or something, I can't remember.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Toastmasters. There are clubs everywhere, and I think a lot of people know what it is. I know a lot of people have fear of public speaking, and I think Toastmasters is a great, comfortable and friendly place to fight it head-on, and is also a great way to meet respected people.

There are a lot of clubs, and each club has its own strict schedule, so most likely you can find club that fits your schedule. By strict I mean they like to start right on time, and end right on time, because most of the members have work before/after the meetings.