Spinning A Good Yarn

by Annabelle Colestock

How Toastmasters Transformed My Public Speaking Journey

Public speaking was always something I dreaded—until I joined Toastmasters. Initially, I was looking to boost my confidence for selling health products, but what I gained from the Presentation Mastery path went far beyond just speaking about health. It was a journey of personal growth, and I’m excited to share the key lessons I learned.

Organizing and Delivering a Speech

Toastmasters taught me how to structure a speech that communicates my ideas clearly and with purpose. A standout moment for me was delivering a speech about Blue Zones, regions where people live the longest. It was a chance to speak about something I love, and I learned to make it engaging and memorable.

Mastering Speaking Skills

Public speaking isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. I learned to use body language, vocal variety, and eye contact to connect with my audience. Even in virtual settings, these skills made a huge difference in how I engaged people.

Becoming Comfortable in Front of an Audience

The more I spoke, the easier it became. Toastmasters helped me build the confidence I needed, even to speak at my father’s memorial service during the pandemic. That was a moment I never thought I could face, but Toastmasters gave me the courage to step up.

More Than Just Public Speaking

Toastmasters didn’t just change how I communicate—it also sparked new passions. For example, I discovered knitting, and I even started working at a local yarn shop! Toastmasters showed me that growth isn’t just about public speaking—it’s about embracing new opportunities and connections.

What’s Next?

Next, I’m diving into the Visionary Communication path in Toastmasters to continue building my speaking skills and teaching others. Toastmasters has given me the confidence to speak with purpose and connect on a deeper level with people. If you're looking to overcome stage fright or become a better communicator, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Video Link:

https://youtu.be/BNq5th2Sa2g

I am a lifelong learner and have been active in Toastmasters for the last 6 years. My background is in engineering and I worked at a research lab in Austin, TX. I love connecting and learning about people and reading and learning about leadership and self development.
I joined Heart2Heart Toastmasters in order to improve my communication skills and practice speaking in public in a very heartfelt way.

Whether you are new to Toastmasters or a seasoned Toastmaster, you are always welcome as our guest at Heart2Heart Toastmasters Meetings. Our club meetings are the fourth Thursday of every month on Zoom from 6-7 pm PT and the first Saturday of the month is our Hybrid Meeting on Zoom and in person from 3:30 PM to 6 PM PT.

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You are always welcome as our guest! We hope to see you soon!