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This article was reprinted with permission from the author.
Picture Them in Their Underwear
by Mike Sembos - July 10, 2003
U'm...hello...is
this thing on?" Shrill feedback emits from an unknown location. When
public speaking opportunities go awry, leaving the spokesperson
sweaty palmed and voice quavering, it may be time to seek help from
the Greater Stamford Toastmasters
club. The name "Toastmaters" refers to the early
1920s when the speaking organization first formed and giving talks
during dinner was a common form of public speaking. Sales calls,
business presentations, school presentations and other such
potentially terrifying endeavors are also covered at their meetings.
Wednesday, July 16 is Beginners Night at One Stamford Plaza and it's
designed so that even the most reserved speakers will quickly
volunteer to get up in front of the group and strut their stuff
(though no one is ever forced to speak). Games and exercises will be
used to establish a comfortable atmosphere to shake that recurring
nervousness once and for all.
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