Episode 1: Ready..Set…Go!

“Write a Compelling Blog!” This was one of the options available for a level 4 Speech in my Toastmasters Pathways journey, Presentation Mastery.  “What does compelling mean?” 🤔

According to the Oxford Dictionary, compelling means evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. Hmmm, compelling might be reaching a little too high but as my website says, I will thrive through discomfort.

October 2022, while working on my RN to BSN online, a professor challenged our class to look closely at any obstacles and fears that might act as a roadblock for personal growth.  I didn’t have to dig too deep to come up with an answer. “Public Speaking!” 💡

Public Speaking is a great topic for Blogging!

Let me take you back a few years to give you some context:

 I was in 5th grade and Mr. Vrevan decided to have us all work on our public speaking skills. There was no preparation, it was 100% impromptu. I remember being terrified…….no, that word won’t do. I was in a total panic! 😨 The love of my life at that time, Craig, (we were probably going to get married and have about 10 babies), casually walks to the front of the class, gets his piece of paper with a topic on it. Remarkably he was able to ramble on for what seemed an eternity about fire trucks! 🚒 Ahhh, so dreamy. Then it was my turn. My heart started racing even harder than it already was, palms sweating, and I couldn’t breathe.  I wish I could tell you more of what happened, but I’m pretty sure that I just stared blankly like a deer in headlights out at the class👀. Panic had replaced that part of my brain which could articulate rational thought. I may have passed out.

My journey of public speaking did become easier as the years passed. A classmate of mine encouraged me to give a speech about our community involvement project in 10th grade for the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) Speech Contest. I couldn’t believe when we won 1st place at regionals.🙌 Smooth sailing from there, right?? Not so much. Even with all the speaking opportunities in college, my career and clubs it just always seemed so much harder than what I thought it should be.

When my college professor challenged us to “tear down walls of fear” I had already heard of Toastmasters. My mind was made up and I was going to join. November, 2022, after my first meeting at “Speaking Up” Toastmasters I got my checkbook out and I became an official member. 👩🏽‍🏫

Have I arrived after 2 years of practicing? Uhhhh, no………but, I have learned so much about myself so far on this journey. Psalm 1:3 reads, "She is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; in all that she does, she prospers”. It has been scripture upon scripture that I have had to trust in and lean on to get me this far.

Did I mention the unwavering support that I have received? I am surrounded by a team of people that I call “Fellow Toastmasters”, but more importantly, my friends. Public Speaking is often cited as the number 1 fear that people have. Whether its fear of judgment, making mistakes, or feeling unprepared.  It is a journey to walk through with those who will lift you up, inspire you with thoughtful evaluation, and challenge you to push through.🧡 Did I mention that we have so much fun and laughter!?!

After paying my membership dues that first meeting, my mentor said, “Welcome aboard, next week I’m going to have you give your icebreaker speech”!

Oh…..Wait!!