Kimy Mandil
Think about this. You’re being given an award at your child’s school for all your help this past year, but there’s one catch—they want you to give a speech. Suddenly your palms are sweaty and it feels like you’re about to pass out. You’d rather have a root canal than speak in public.
What if I told you there was a place to hone these skills that will build your confidence so that speaking at any public engagement (personal or business) will be a piece of cake?
I’d like to introduce you to Brooklyn Best Toastmasters, a part of Toastmasters International, right here in the heart of our community. Think of Toastmasters as your way to build the muscles of confidence.
People fear speaking in public more than going to their dentist. So much so, that glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, affects millions of people worldwide.
I joined Brooklyn Best Toastmasters two years ago to help me gain back my voice. I work in a predominantly male industry and felt I was lacking the confidence to speak among my peers. Now I feel more confident to not only give speeches but also to lead our meetings, and I recently became a club officer.
When you join our club, you learn to give speeches that have objectives. We don’t tell you what subject to speak on, but the program gives you tasks to accomplish so members build up a toolbox of public speaking skills. Our meetings usually include three speeches.
Toastmasters also helps you learn to think on your feet and give impromptu speeches by giving evaluations or answering table topic questions that require some thought. Evaluations by fellow club members are also mini speeches and help provide positive feedback to your speech in a friendly environment.
Until recently I had no idea the accomplishments of some members of Brooklyn Best Toastmasters. Here are some examples to highlight where some of our Toastmasters have been.
Does the name Ari Siegel ring a bell? Not only was Ari on the famous show Shark Tank, where he ultimately struck a deal with multiple members of the show, but Ari was also a member of Brooklyn Best Toastmasters.
Ever heard of Old Jewish Men of New York? It’s a popular tag on social media, and our very own David Roffé is the face of Old Jewish Men, which has millions of followers. If you’re lucky you may even catch David at one of our meetings. Not to be outdone by his amazing wife, the extraordinary Sarina Roffé. I wouldn’t even know where to start with the many accomplishments of Sarina.
And then there are community members like Ronnie Tawil and Alan Kishk, among others—all terrific speakers. These are men and women just like you and me who decided to take control. It’s not a miracle drug, but if you do the work that Toastmasters has to offer, you’ll see a world of difference.
So, what are you waiting for? Meetings are held twice a month from 8:00–9:30 PM on Monday evenings at Sephardic Synagogue on Avenue R. Email bbtm1234@gmail.com to get on our list.
