Comments on: Playing hookie

By: Toasmtmaster Michael

Toasmtmaster Michael — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:07:01 +0000

In response to your comment “I hate public speaking” I would like to offer a suggestion. Check out Toastmasters.org. Most people who “hate” public speaking have unconfronted fears or lack confidence. The interesting facet of public speaking fears that always intrigues me is that we all speak in public everyday. Toastmasters’ mission is “making effective communication a worldwide reality.” The program can help you overcome fears and develop confidence in your communication and leadership skills. I read that you are very busy, and I can appreciate that. I would encourage you to visit a club and learn how Toastmasters can help you speak with confidence whether in a room of friends, leading a class, or perhaps in a “real” public speaking role. Best of luck!

By: kris

kris — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:37:47 +0000

sounds so exciting:) can’t wait to get to that point too.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:52:27 +0000

Just like me, what I love about my classes is fiddling with the curriculum, changing it to suit the needs of my current students, adding creative elements, making it breath life, making it silly, honest and something people remember as they journey towards birth and parenting. There is always more information out there than I can cover in my class, so I try to encourage parents to think about their inner knowledge, not just information they don’t have (yet, because they can always get it if they need it.)
When is your first class? What’s the exam like? CAPPA’s was a long take-home, but at least I could do it in bits over a period of time, I didn’t have to sit for it.

By: Cheeky

Cheeky — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:07:24 +0000

I agree about the scare mongering! First time parents are so freaked out about everything and really don’t need more to obsess over. I was certain that my occasional desperately needed morning cup of coffee had permanently stunted my fetus (and when my baby failed to start smiling right at 3 months or whatever, that confirmed it for me) and I recall when I asked if it was okay to dye my hair, I got a lecture on how I shouldn’t even paint my toenails (which were already painted). We already know how bad and horrible we are as parents (and potential parents) in infinite ways. So much better to focus on the good things we can do instead of all the ways we can fail.