Time for Toastmasters: A journey from 'jelly legs' to public speaking
Janice Creenaune meets Matthew Derbridge, a self-published author and Student Learning Support Officer in local schools, who finds time to develop his organisational and public speaking skills through the not-for-profit organisation Toastmasters
Janice Creenaune meets Matthew Derbridge, a self-published author and Student Learning Support Officer in local schools, who finds time to develop his organisational and public speaking skills through the not-for-profit organisation Toastmasters
Public speaking does not come naturally to many people and the prospect of having to do it actually scares most of us, but Matthew Derbridge has learned that – through practice and supporting and encouraging people – this fear can be overcome.
“The Helensburgh Toastmasters has offered me a supportive friendship group that is multi-generational, a safe environment, where we can gather and speak with growing confidence, structure and friendship,” Matthew says. “But I also learn leadership and organisational skills. It is a great organisation that is worldwide.”
Matthew began attending meetings at UOW about 11 years ago, then joined Helensburgh and District Toastmasters Club, part of the Wollongong Shire Toastmasters network of six clubs. Last year Matthew worked as Area Director for the clubs.
“I helped to organise contests both within clubs and inter-club events. We have about 60 to 80 members in the Wollongong-Shire area and we are always looking for new members of all ages.
“People may want to gain more confidence in writing speeches and actually speaking in front of a ‘safe’ group. Our members are all very supportive of each other.”
Matthew says he started at Toastmasters “because I struggled to speak in front of a crowd and I recognised this.
“I would get ‘jelly legs’ and very nervous. I would try to develop an alter-ego character to entertain the audience rather than offer real honesty to my audience. But I have kept returning, practising, writing and developing my skills.”
Matthew says speechmaking is not the only thing that keeps him returning to Toastmasters.
“It is also the social aspect: meeting others, like-minded, who are supportive and generous with their criticisms as well as being intergenerational. We are there from all ages, with many differing life experiences.
“One member in Helensburgh, Vicki, has been enjoying Toastmasters for 27 years. We enjoy each other’s company and the speeches that each offer when we meet. We all grow from the experience, but we all become like family.
“As an individual I have grown and am now able to speak truth in my speeches. We all recognise that family, health and work come first in our lives, but confidence through Toastmasters aids many of us in our daily lives and work.”
The Helensburgh Toastmasters Club meets at the Youth Centre in Helensburgh at 7pm on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. For more info, email toastmasters2508@gmail.com.
- Toastmasters Helensburgh: 7pm 2nd and 4th Mondays
- Northern Illawarra: 7:30pm 1st and 3rd Tuesday
- Wollongong Toastmasters: Fortnightly-Wednesdays, 7:15 pm
