Conquer your fear of public speaking

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  According to countless surveys, one of the biggest fears among Americans is public speaking. One Team Little Rock resource is helping people overcome that fear, and then some.

Toastmasters International defines itself as a world leader in communication and leadership development. The group is more than 290,000 people strong and Toastmasters are present in more than 120 countries.

Airman 1st Class Steven Garrison, a 50th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, has been a member of the group for five of its six month tenure at the Little Rock Air Force Base Education Center. Garrison is now the acting vice president of the local Toastmasters club.

"I first heard about Toastmasters through a former MTL (military training leader)," Garrison said. "I was apprehensive to go at first, because I thought it was a class, or that people would be too critical or judgmental of speeches."

Garrison was surprised when he attended his first Toastmasters meeting.

"It wasn't like a class; it was very interactive," Garrison said. "Instead of giving a speech and being evaluated, the meetings incorporate group mentorship."

Toastmasters isn't just beneficial for military members. The one-hour long meetings are open to all ranks and civilians.

"Public speaking and leadership development is very important," said Garrison. "Effective communication is vital for job interviews, as well as ALS and NCO Academy."

Toastmasters learn communications skills through a Competent Communication manual. Planned and impromptu speeches are given. Members alternate on being evaluated and evaluators.

"Since the thought of public speaking can still be overwhelming to some at first, people can come and watch as guests before they decide whether or not to join," Garrison said.
Along with confidence, the importance of time is also promoted.

"Have you ever heard someone go on and on when speaking?" asked Garrison. "We learn to time ourselves accordingly."

Along with time, Toastmasters incorporates grammar as a crucial part in public speaking.

"We are often given words to incorporate in our speeches," Garrison said. "We learn definitions of different words and then figure out how to include them in our speeches so that they'll make sense."

Garrison mentioned how much his speaking skills have improved.

"I am much more conscious of my body language," Garrison said. "I also avoid saying 'um.' There is even a bell that we ring every time another person uses 'um' or some other verbal pause."

Garrison saw improvements in others as well as himself.

"I've seen people go from nervous speakers to Toastmasters club officers," said Garrison.

Toastmasters International offers a unique way for people to better their speaking.

The Toastmasters club meetings are held every other Thursday at 5:15 p.m. at the Little Rock AFB Education Center right off base. The next session will be held on the May 29.
Contact Tech. Sgt. Jonathan McRoy at (501) 987-2385 for Toastmasters membership information.