toastmasters before kings inns

Lawstudent21

I am going to take a class of this tonight as it was recommended to me on this forum, would like to put my public speaking qualms behind me before going to kings inns only I'm very nervous as I dont no what to expect, can anyone fill me in on what to expect:)?

Lawstudent21

Lawstudent21 wrote: »

I am going to take a class of this tonight as it was recommended to me on this forum, would like to put my public speaking qualms behind me before going to kings inns only I'm very nervous as I dont no what to expect, can anyone fill me in on what to expect:)?

Girlfriend does it and I went along once. Never again.

Which one are you going to? In all fairness the people are all genuinely lovely and seem to come from every walk of life. I dislike their attempt at a uniform oratorical style but it makes sense for what they are doing. Certainly seems to have helped my girlfriend in her self-confidence with public speaking.

That being said there is a massive difference between public speaking and having a judge firing questions at you. Be sure to do the moots and debates in the Inns. They'll be far more beneficial to you if you ask me.

Meetings vary but generally newbies don't have to join in if they don't want to. Just go along and enjoy it I suppose but remember that it's a world away from what you'll be doing in October of next year all going well.

Lawstudent21

Thanks, I know what you mean, It's in Tipperary. I was thinking it might give me confidence to actually do the debates and mooting because I have no experience of speaking in front of groups of people at all.

I would probably be better off just starting with the moots rather than wasting time doing this because it is 2 hours long after all and Im going on my own so would probably be bored enough.:)

It might just get you over the initial nerves but you'll have no choice but to do it in the Inns. You'll be doing advocacy to a camera and in front of the class within a couple of weeks maximum. It's what is expected of you so being nervous isn't an option. You just have to do it.

Lawstudent21

Yep may get rid of the nerves so, In front of a camera?

Citygirl1

Hi Lawstudent - Toastmasters is not really a "class", and going to one or two meetings, while interesting, would be unlikely to develop you personally.

It's more something you join up, and improve your skills gradually by actively participating in regular meetings. Toastmaster does seem like one of the best practical ways to improve your public speaking skills, but this doesn't happen overnight:)

terrlobe

Lawstudent21 wrote: »

I am going to take a class of this tonight as it was recommended to me on this forum, would like to put my public speaking qualms behind me before going to kings inns only I'm very nervous as I dont no what to expect, can anyone fill me in on what to expect:)?

I think Toastmasters is a wonderful communications and leadership programme which I'd highly recommend. From experience it's vitally important to choose a good club as there are more mediocre clubs out there. The number one club last year in both the UK & Ireland is Bishopstown in Cork.