I did Toastmasters for about a year and it had a huge impact. They have a systematic way of developing your skills (a set of 10 speeches designed to focus on various aspects, like structure, vocal presentation, gestures, etc...) It seems quite sound, pedagogically.
Now, you do have to have a minimum of tolerance for getting up and doing a first speech in the very beginning, but if you can do that, the rest of the program ramps up gradually. As an introvert, I was never thrilled to be going in to a Toastmasters meeting, but I always felt really good (energized, happy) going out.
Comments
Yes to point 1.
I did Toastmasters for about a year and it had a huge impact. They have a systematic way of developing your skills (a set of 10 speeches designed to focus on various aspects, like structure, vocal presentation, gestures, etc...) It seems quite sound, pedagogically.
Now, you do have to have a minimum of tolerance for getting up and doing a first speech in the very beginning, but if you can do that, the rest of the program ramps up gradually. As an introvert, I was never thrilled to be going in to a Toastmasters meeting, but I always felt really good (energized, happy) going out.