Public Speaking Myths - Dublin South Toastmasters Information Site

Dublin South Toastmasters Club Myths

Myth 1: I don't need Dublin South Toastmasters because I have been giving presentations for years.

Reality 1: …and you are probably using the same techniques you started with years ago. For experienced speakers, Dublin South Toastmasters is a way to expand and modernise your presentation style. You will get honest feedback about your style and good suggestions for alternative techniques.

Myth 2: I don't need Dublin South To astmasters because I don't give speeches.

Reality 2: What about when your boss asks for a status report on your project? What about when you present an idea at a staff meeting? The more you consider your business and personal conversations as”presentations”, the more care you will give those conversations and the more Professional they will be. Dublin South Toastmasters will help you develop that professional edge.

Myth 3: I'm not smart enough. I'll be embarrassed. I can't think of anything to talk about.

Reality 3: Everyone is smart enough. Everyone has things that interest them— things they can share. You won’t be any more embarrassed than hen you are talking with friends. Have you got a hobby? What is your job like? Do you have kids, a spouse, and other family? Where did you go on your last holiday? You have a lot to say!

Myth 4: The other members are already good speakers. I'd be nervous.

Reality 4: While Dublin South Toastmasters Club does have good speakers, everyone starts at the same place. Many of the senior members continue to attend and give presentations because even though they have improved their speaking skills, there is always something new to learn from each other.

Myth 5: You have to attend every meeting.

Reality 5: There is no minimum requirement but he more meetings you attend, the more you get out of it, so its best to attend as often as you can. The more you attend, the more comfortable you get in the environment and the better you get.

Myth 6: Each speech is criticized.

Reality 6: Dublin South Toastmasters is adamantly against criticism. Our keywords are evaluation and constructive feedback and we concentrate on helping each person understand what they are doing RIGHT and suggest alternatives for future presentations. This is not to make you change but to help you build your speaking toolkit. The more tools you are experienced with the more options you have in various communication situations.

Myth 7: Dublin South Toastmasters is very time consuming.

Reality 7: The amount of time you give to Dublin South Toastmasters depends on you and your needs. Giving presentations does require preparation, but you can use topics associated with work or home so content preparation is minimal. You can also space your presentations to meet your schedule. Other program functions such as evaluator and timer require no preparation. Table Topics and Toastmaster positions require some very limited preparation or none at all, if you think fast on your feet! You attend as many meetings as you can.