The Diary of Mad Virtual Toastmasters’ Speaker

How my virtual speech on Zoom wrecked my nerves.

My club normally met on the first and third Friday of each month. This particular Friday happened right after everyone was advised not to congregate in groups due to coronavirus, therefore the group jumped to Zoom.

The jump was so quick that I didn’t even see it coming. The very first meeting, a new member gave her speech and watching her do her speech made me scared to death to do my speech in two weeks. The speaker did a great job considering that was the first time and she became the pioneer of the group doing the first Zoom speech.

As all the members praised her for doing a great job and being brave enough to be the first to give a speech on Zoom took the air out of my sail right then and there. You’d think the praise of this member would have given me confidence but it didn't. While she was new to the group, me being a toastmaster for four year, the pressure was on. I had to bring it all too a new level.

How I prepared for my speech? This was my second speech in the Entertainment manual, “Make them laugh.” Completing this manual would allow me to earn my Bronze Advance Communicator title after completing three more speeches and then onto obtaining the Silver Advance Communicator title.