Back in 2001, Margaret Page had the opportunity to speak at her annual work conference. Margaret declined. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t speak in front of all those people. When it came to the keynote speaker her team was shocked when the No. 2 team went up. Her team was top in sales and very proud of their accomplishments. In that moment, Margaret felt the tsunami wave of disappointment from her team. They had worked hard and did not get to show off their success, as Margaret couldn’t speak for them. She swore that she would not deny her team this opportunity again. She would find a way to speak their story.
When Margaret moved to the Sunshine Coast she decided to take the plunge and join Toastmasters. After her first speech, she felt a huge sense of accomplishment.
How does Toastmasters help people ease their fear of public speaking? Through its members. We are all in this together. There is a generous attitude that permeates through the club; it’s not competition.
Toastmasters is the most affordable way to get the growth and learning that Margaret knows. “It is where magic happens.” Toastmasters transformed her. It is where she found her voice and built her confidence. There is power in the profound ability to be able to craft a speech and speak the words aloud to an audience of your peers. To be able to receive valuable feedback when you know that everyone wants to see you succeed.
Doors kept opening for her as Margaret progressed through Toastmasters. From MCing a political event and running for office to serving on boards; Toastmasters put her in the limelight and gave her the tools to shine. And now, Margaret Page is the president-elect of Toastmasters International.
What do you have to say to the world? Take a chance by attending a meeting or two at your nearest Toastmasters club. They are even being held over Zoom so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. See what it is like, and then you can decide for yourself if Toastmasters can help invigorate your growth and self-confidence. So you will never have to shy away from telling your story of success.
Contact us for more information at https://sunshinetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/ or https://bit.ly/31w9mdY to attend our open house Sept. 19.
– Natalie Findlay, Contributing Writer
