(Copied over from old blog)

Yes I took the plunge and joined a local Toastmasters club. Why? Because it makes sense as part of a part of professional education and service to my fellow man.

I’ve never had a problem speaking in public. However sometimes I have a problem presenting material in an organized, logical fashion. And I am completely ignorant in the ways and means of meeting protocol. For example: Did you know you are never supposed to leave a speaking spot or lectern empty? If you transition, introduce or handoff the floor to somebody it is proper form to wait for them to get there. This way the meeting is never left unattended. These are some of the finer details you will learn at TM.

Something else I have a big problem with which I am hoping to get better at is my rate of speech. I speak fast. Blazingly fast. Part of it comes from the inability to relax. And another part comes from the field in which I work - technology. Things move very fast, and you have to always think fast and act fast. That is the way my brain works. Unfortunately that is the way my mouth also works. Not good for you the listener.

Are you a Toastmaster? If so I want to hear about it and what you get out of it. Does it help your customer service skills? How has it helped your professional life.