Starting out, there are many different reasons you might want to try public speaking, for example: to build confidence, to improve your communication and persuasion skills, or to prepare for a specific event or occasion.

Whatever the reason, getting clear about what you want to improve and why can really help to keep you on track during your journey to becoming a better communicator.

For instance, are you nervous speaking in front of other people at work? Do you wish you could be more persuasive? Or do you simply find it difficult to get your point across in a clear and concise way?

If so, imagine yourself in one year’s time and picture some specific situations where you are communicating much more confidently and effectively than you are at the moment. What would it mean to you to be able to express yourself more clearly and calmly in those situations?

At Toastmasters, people are motivated to join for many different reasons, but chances are you’ll meet people who are there for the same reasons as you.

And let’s face it, there aren’t many people who can honestly say that being a better communicator would not improve some aspect of their personal and professional lives!