For years I was too afraid to speak in public because I felt sure everyone would notice my shaking knees and my neck gradually turning red. But now I can get up to speak in front of other people without shaking, and believe it or not, I actually enjoy it! Thank you Forum!

After receiving feedback from a job interview I decided to improve my communication skills by joining a public speaking group.  I chose Forum because they were extremely prompt in answering my enquiry and seemed genuinely excited at the prospect of a new member.  My gut feeling was right and on my first meeting I was warmly welcomed and greeted by many friendly faces.  That first night I was exposed to words I’d never heard of and I heard such a variety of speeches.  I came close to speaking that night but held off to the next meeting.  I decided to take every opportunity to speak, thus learning to conquer my fears.  I’ve always been someone who has a strong opinion and enjoy voicing it; however I found I would get nervous if ever I spoke to more than a couple of people in a group. Three years have now passed and I’ve DELIVERED a number of speeches – some better than others.  I’ve taken myself out of what is now a comfortable environment and spoken in the open in public, at my church in front of a large audience and also at my work place to a sea of teenagers!  The nervousness in my voice has disappeared and the racing heart beat has slowed.  At a more recent interview I found myself much calmer and unflustered.  I still have a lot of words to learn and a long way to go before I can put them into my everyday conversation but I know that never a meeting will go by where I don’t learn something, catch up with my new friends or be inspired by something I’ve heard. Exercise for the mind and calming for the heart – I love Forum.

Forum has been the best investment I’ve ever made for my personal and professional development.