I just turned 25. To me was turned over the role of a Middle Manager. Pretty young manager in a relatively young organization. I had on my shoulder bigger responsibilities, with bigger team and bigger engagements such as a town hall meeting where the executives and managers had to take part one day. Take part and talk at some part.
I was surprised that I had to be asked to speak in front of a crowd I barely know. I was tongue-tied (it is as if literally my tongue was tied with a strong knot), dumbfounded! All of a sudden the topic I new very well (and close to my heart --environment) like the palm of my hand sounded Greek or worse, it was alien. Ahhh... Uhmmm... Hmmm... I wish at that moment I was in outer space, clad in steel-like suit with a helmet bubble. So nobody can recognize me!
After that incident I promised myself to be prepared! You'll never know when you will be in front of that crowd again. And so I joined Toastmasters!
The much dreaded speeches were underway.. I had no problem with prepared speeches. As my mentors said, I had the confidence (armed with well thought-of speech) but not with impromptu speeches.
How do you think (& speak) on your feet? Especially when it is all trembling and sometimes numb..
