I was toasted at Toastmaster

Toastmaster ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. If I ask you that what is your three important stages in your life? What will you say? Can you answer the question in a few minutes? Sue? Jessie? Okay, I know. I will tell you first. My three important stages in my life are getting married, run business and join Fluency.

Two and half years ago, Cindy and I learned English in the same place. She looked younger and beautiful, so everyone noticed her. I found that she always carried the same bag named Toastmaster but I didn’t know what it is. One day, she talked about Toastmaster to the other people during the break. I just listen and didn’t say anything at the time. After class, I asked her some details about Toastmaster and then I said I was interested in your club. First when I came here, it was holding a in- club training in summer vacation. At the time, I met my two idols. One was President, Emily; the other was the trainer, Hubert. I listened to their wonderful speeches and I asked myself that why they could speak English so naturally and fluently. And I told myself, yes, this is the right place I wanted to come.

But first time when I joined the regular meeting, I felt lonely and uncomfortable, especially during the 10 minutes break, because no body talked to me. So I pretended keep going to restroom and flip through some books outside the room. After I delivered my C1 speech, our E.V.P Linda called and asked me “what was your feeling when you came here?” “Did you feel nervous when you delivered your speech?” And then she asked me some more ordinary questions. I felt much better after she asked those questions because I knew that someone cares about me. That’s why I stayed here until now. So, I want to say thank you to…Linda. And that’s why I think our officers should re-start building members contact web to care about all the members, especially new members. All the members are important for Fluency. You know every time when I deliver my speech, I am always nervous, even now. I am still nervous, because I care about my speech a lot. Every time when my wife saw my rehearsal, she always asked “Are you ready for the speech?” I always answered her, NO not yet, and told her that I’m not sure if I’m well-prepared until the moment I finish it. So, you should practice your speech as many times as you can. When I deliver my C3 speech, I forgot some lines. I stood there and I was very nervous at the moment, but finally I finished my speech on time that means I am qualified. But after meeting, I talked to Sammi that I wanted to redo my C3 speech because I would like to make it better. I don’t think that redo speech is kind of losing face; it will give you another chance to make your performance better. Several months ago, I also heard Sue redo her C3 speech, it was great. So, one thing you have to remember that is in Fluency no one will laugh at you; every one will support and encourage you.

In C1 speech, I introduce myself; in C2, I talked about how I feel when I join “Carnegie’s Training Course “; in C3, I talked about money ,health and attitude are three important things for preparing to retire; in C4, it was about practicing many times can makes things perfect ; in C5, I involved about “man’s talk” with my son; in C6, I used humorous way to talked about “coffee, tea or shower; in C7, healthy ways to loose your weight ; in C8, I learned about using correct attitude to deal with money; in C9, I tried to persuade members to deliver your speech. Now, it’s my C10 speech, I’m talking about my experience from the first time I came and listened to Hubert’s training course to now I am going to finish my C10 speech. It’s a really hard process to keep going. Actually, after I finished my C5 speech, I skipped one semester for personal reasons. To tell the truth, I really wanted to give it up for good. However, I came back finally and finish all the speeches in C level. Fluency is a good place not only to learn English, but also to use English. When you come here you can learn how to communicate with others and how to be a good leader.

Fluency is a big family and it is a wonderful place of “learning by doing.”  From C1 to C10, I have learned a lot public speaking skill, like how to conquer my fear, how to find a topic, how to organize my speech and how to use my vocal and body language. I appreciate Cindy bring me here and I believe that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Now I am getting my CC award, trust me you can do it too. This term I am E.V.P. I know it is no easy job for me. But if you need help delivering your speech, please call me any time, anywhere when you need me. Remember, I am always here, for you.