Did you ever join Toastmasters?

[hypochondriac]

Yes. I was encouaged to join by a colleague. I think it is a good way to overcome nerves when public speaking. I think some of us need ideal conditions to thrive though. Not too competitive. Supportive leaders and members.
If i remember correctly gestures were really emphasised. My typical gestures were not deliberate. Flailing arms and a nervous tic.

 

[drifter]

I did. And that night I gave a little talk. My legs shook, I held onto the podium to keep my hands from shaking.
The next day the Vice-President of our company and the cooperate attorney, also in charge of Staff Services,
like personnel and purchasing, called fom Dallas (I was in Lubbock). He wanted me to go to Colby, Kansas
where the next evening our open house was to take place. City and county dignitaries would be there, some of the largest
farmers and ranchers in the midwest would be in attendance. Hundreds were invited. He said he was supposed
to be the evening speaker for the event but something had come up, so would I fill in for him?

My response was, "You've got to be kidding?"

Of course he was not.

He said there's nothing to it. You're representing the Corporate office. Look out over the crowd and pretend they're
all naked. Tell them we're glad to be in Colby, then tell them why. Sometime it help to start with a joke.