get better at speaking in public

I have completed a Speech Craft course that was provided by my employer. In about 6 weeks I have to give a short speech to a small group that includes my regional and state manager. After that is completed I will consider this goal complete, while there is still much room for improvement. I think it would be a good idea o back this experience up with further development in Toast Masters.

I went to a monthly session for a development program that I am enrolled in for work. I missed last months session so I didn’t find out until I got there that I was supposed to give a 5 minute speach about myself and some aspect of my life.
At first I thought, “Crap… what can I talk about for 5 minutes?!” Then I thought of all my recent musical exploits from the past 6 months and knew I’d be OK.
So I drew up a basic outline on an a4 sheet and just winged it from there.
Nerves weren’t really a problem. Apparently I said “umm” a lot so I have to work on that. Otherwise, it went pretty well. I feel like I’ve improved a lot with my confidence and I think I can put that down to all the public performing I’ve been doing lately.
Now I’m considering enrolling in some drama classes.

I have had a strong fear of public speaking in the past that I think would fit the category of social anxiety. Currently there is no public speaking in my daily, weekly or monthly routine so it hasn’t really been something that I have to deal with lately. I think that this fear of public speaking is preventing me from achieving my full potential in my work-life and in my social/family life.
I really want to get my life out of the rut and confidence in public speaking, I think, is one of the keys to a better life.

So, soon I will be seeing a professional to get help in this area.

sign up for something like toastmasters… I need to do SOMETHING.