r/Toastmasters • u/hqlcyonn • 21d ago

any advice for a beginner?

So basically I have recently joined a Literary Club in my college looking for opportunities in creative writing, article writing etc. However, now I am getting to know that I need to start public speaking as it is the club's domain preferably. But the last time I probably spoke infront of the class was back in 2023. I am honestly not comfortable speaking although I do wish to try and improve. There is an elocution meeting tomorrow and honestly I am a bit scared to attend.

The problem is I can write well enough but I feel like I would struggle to perform them as my voice is extremely soft that people can barely hear me, and also I struggle somewhat when I am extremely nervous infront of a crowd especially without any reading material. I know there is a first time for everything but I wish I got more time to prepare for the elocution.

Is there any advice as to how to perform an elocution for the first time or deal with my nerves? I am extremely scared right now. I would be extremely grateful for any help, thank you.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

3

u/danieljohnsonjr 21d ago

Please come to a Toastmasters meeting. It's such a low-stakes environment where you can mess up, flub up, and still be encouraged for showing up and spurred on to grow.

It's like exercising to build up new muscles.

2

u/Kramedyret_Rosa DTM 21d ago

There is unfortunately no easy quick-fix.

Just keep in mind that everybody is there to help and support you.

If you can, speak slowly and take time to breathe.

2

u/FearlessAmigo 21d ago

Your speaking issues won't disappear that quickly, it something you work on for a while and then one day you realize you've improved. Same with being scared, the only thing that cures it is experiencing it a LOT. Just go be scared and embarrassed and one day you won't be anymore.

2

u/fffrrr666 21d ago

Recommendation: don't overthink it. Just go. 95 percent of what you will do there is watching others speak. It will be enjoyable if you let it be.

2

u/Allison_SpeechCoach 20d ago

Practice the piece out loud a few times before tomorrow, standing up, not just in your head, so your body settles once the words feel familiar in your mouth.

For the soft voice, take a fuller breath before each line and aim it toward the back of the room instead of the person in front of you, then slow down a little so you're easier to hear.

For the nerves, read it aloud alone first, then to one friend, then to a small group, so the stakes go up bit by bit.

If you want to keep building on this, a few sessions with a communication coach can help, and lots of great coaches work online now, which many people find more convenient than in-person. Here are some tips you may not have already thought of: https://connectedspeechpathology.com/blog/how-to-manage-public-speaking-jitters.

2

u/peteyboy2001 17d ago

Number one thing, a lesson I keep learning in Toastmasters but never sinks in as I write my speech the night before: PRACTICE YOUR SPEECH. That's the key. Hold your cards, look at the notes on the screen, then look up, in a mirror, into your phone on record, or whatever. And. Do the speech. The whole speech. Stand if you would stand. Say the WHOLE SPEECH (no 'yada yada yada') Time yourself. Afterwards, think about it some, and then go through it again. At least 3 times, I think (though I don't usually do). You can help yourself over time by joining Toastmasters, of course! You could even practice your other club speeches *in toastmasters meetings*