Public Speaking - Presentations

bazm0

Hello, I suffer anxiety at the thought of public speaking and delivering presentations. This is a phobia of sorts as I am quite well spoken and have a good vocabulary, earned a degree, decent profession etc... Don't quite know how I arrived at this point but would love to do something about it (I am quite confident in most other aspects of my day to day life). I recently looked into my local toastmasters club - looked great but unfortunately it breaks over the summer months.
To cut a long story short I'm seeking to organize a group of 5-10 people who would like to meet weekly. In this supportive, collaborative environment all interested participants can overcome public speaking fears and move on in confident manner to delivering presentations effectively (if you want to). I suspect that the action of organizing this group and its activities will help overcome such anxieties...it might be fun too. This is not an advertisement (apologies for the hackneyed language).
I live in Waterford City, but frequently travel to Cork as well.
If this sounds like something you're interested in feel free to get in contact.


All the best

DaithiRi1

Hi,

I was wondering if anything has come of this idea?

D

bazm0

Hi,

Never got enough interest. Since then I've used Toastmasters, a wee bit formal, but all very well intended. My experience - they adopt a softly-softly approach to get you chirping in at initial meetings, then join up and do an small first speech, 1 min, 2 min, then onto 4-5 minutes. All over a series of weeks at your own pace, bit nerve wracking of course; but no-one is going to laugh or condescend because they've all been there! Friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Has helped me a lot.

I'd recommend it!