Mistakes in Toastmasters

I was at the Toastmasters meeting last Wednesday, and since we had more guests than members that evening (I know members of other clubs are jealous), the guests did a round of introductions. I remember the first time I had to introduce myself and at that time what went in my mind was to become a good speaker and to complete the communications manual. I did not want to stop coming to Toastmasters as I continuously use the meetings to test material and delivery. This is because making mistakes in Toastmasters is all part of it.

I find many guests and even members still having the stigma that making a mistake in Toastmasters during a speech or round robbin session is an embarrassment. I find Toastmasters to be a great environment for making mistakes and taking risks. I’ve done purely management and technology related, and for once gave a speech on adultery. The supportive atmosphere of Toastmasters allows me to experiment well beyond the edges of what I’ve had the opportunity to do in front of other audiences. And I find that Toastmaster audiences appreciate a bit of wackiness and creativity, since they’ve already seen standard prepared speeches loads of times before.

This experimentation has greatly broadened my range as a speaker. I’d never given a humorous speech or used props or tried unusual delivery methods before joining Toastmasters. But now I’m convinced it’s actually less risky to take risks. As a speaker I find I have a better chance of success if I stray a bit off the “safe” path. If I give a speech just like anyone else would, even if my content and delivery are excellent, the reception will usually be lukewarm. I’m not providing enough value to the audience. But if I do something a bit odd or unusual, it keeps the audience awake and attentive.

What Toastmasters has shown me is just how important it is to keep the audience entertained while you attempt to educate them.