From a child, I have always been talkative. I have been told since a young age, I have the ability to hold conversations that would match an intelligent adult and I spoke quite eloquently. My annunciation and pronunciation was on point. I had really great teachers in my time. I never took it on at the time and kept talking that it seemed to be a bother to my teachers that I was labelled the 'class clown' and in all my reports was written in the comments section " Corine talks too much". My mother was always told the same thing when she attended PTA. She was actually quite happy that was all she was told compared to what other parents were told about their children .. phew!
Anyway...
Fast forward to my adult life where I resided for 21 years in Jamaica, I somehow was led into writing after helping my mother write her reports for work. I was really good at it and this further led me into becoming an Author and Speaker. No formal training as a speaker but I found myself having to speak on TV, radio, workshops, seminars; all things public. It was damn scary and yes, I always had diarrhea the night before with nervous stomach leading up to speaking.
A friend mentioned Toastmasters to me when I lived in Jamaica. It was still unknown to me and when I spoke to my spouse at the time about it, he said 'it was a cult" Hmm, let's not go there!
It took me some time when it came to me again and I made a decision to search out clubs in my area in Jamaica and found Pacesetters near me. I made contact and went without telling anyone at home, especially my spouse.
The first meeting got me hooked! Not long after I became a member and next thing you know, I was doing roles and became VPPR- Vice President Public Relations!
See what 'a cult' does? (shaking my head)
I have now moved back home to Trinidad and one of the first things on my to do list was to find a Toastmaster club. I made contact and while it took me some time again to join, for nothing happens before its time, I am now an active member and back in PR.
I have a path, a vision for building my career in PR and Communications and Toastmasters is my vehicle for getting there safely and successfully. I am now the Communications Specialist at a recent job and I can feel and see my vision manifesting.
I am excited at what being in Winners Toastmasters and Toastmasters International can do for me more than I can do for the Association. The people I meet, the network and relationships I am building, the friendships and family ties are worth more than the fees we pay to be an active member.
I am investing in me because I deserve it. What about you?