An Audience of One

It was about four years ago when I joined Toastmasters International or TI. For those who are not familiar with TI, it is a nonprofit, educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. The initial reason I joined was to become a better sales person because I talked too much.  I could not close the sale.

Over the years, my reason for staying in the club changed. The last reason I renewed my membership was in order to become a paid public speaker. It didn’t quite workout as I planned but I did learn one thing.  I had the courage to get up and give speeches at club meetings and compete in local area contests which were all positives. However, no matter the size of the audiences I would speak in front of, the biggest critic in the room, was always myself until I focused on simply doing my best. The one person you most often have to please, is the one that lives within. As the famous African Proverb says:

When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.

References:

Photo Source: http://workwithadam.blogspot.com/2015/10/5-marketing-strategies-that-dont.html

TI Information Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toastmasters_International

Quote source: https://www.inspirationalstories.com/proverbs/african-when-there-is-no-enemy-within-the/