Shropshire speakers help businesswoman conquer fear
A Shropshire businesswoman who successfully conquered her fear of public speaking is calling for Shropshire residents to take the plunge and join her.
25 year-old Fran Greer from Shrewsbury is urging apprehensive individuals to join her in combating their fears and sign up to the Shropshire group of the internationally-renowned Toastmasters organisation. Members are taught communication, leadership, and speaking skills, in a relaxed and informal environment and are encouraged to put their new skills into practice by taking on speaking roles at each session.
Fran signed up to the sessions because she aspired to be able to speak confidently like her father, who was already a member, but could not imagine ever being able to control her nerves. Fran also recently became a company director and felt it was an essential skill that would ensure the success of the business.
Fran said: “I genuinely never believed I would be able to stand up in front of a group of people and speak confidently. Toastmasters offer a number of different opportunities to speak, which include simply answering questions, five minute impromptu discussions, and timed practiced speeches. Each and every opportunity has really built my confidence and has allowed me to get over my fear really quickly.
“Each role undertaken at Toastmasters is evaluated, which means you receive feedback and constant support in all forms of speaking and communicating. The group is also really friendly and encouraging, so the experience isn’t at all daunting. Toastmasters has also given me the confidence to believe in my speech writing, which was a challenge for me. I now prepare, write, and read all my own speeches and remembering them isn’t a problem either!
“For individuals that are considering combating their fear of public speaking, I’d encourage them to believe in themselves. The fear can be overcome with preparation and practice, and the more you speak publicly the easier it becomes. Public speaking is a skill anyone can achieve and this new found ability has set me up for life,” Fran concluded.
The group gather every first and third Wednesday of each month, between 7.45pm and 9.30pm at the Grays Hotel, just off junction5 of the M54.
