Has anyone tried Toastmasters, the international public speaking club/organization? I have tried them and found that they really helped me, not just in communicating with all sorts of people in all kinds of situations, but they really gave me a big boost in self confidence.

And guess what? A large percentage (I would guess) were people who were knowing or unsuspecting ADHD persons. It seems (at least it was true for me) that quite a few of the characteristics that made me seem not normal, were actually real assets in speaking in public: sponteneity, creativity, humor, rapid brain action, vitality, energy and so forth.

I found that the methods they use to teach people how to prepare to speak, and how to act and react are templates that I now use in many interpersonal situations.

My brain brain turned to mush and ran out between my toes when I faced an audience. I mean the fear was very palpable. My mind would outrace my mouth. Toastmasters helped me convert my rapid and tumultuous thinking into something that worked and was understandeable and persuasive in communicating.

I think that if you look a the list of famous people who "probably" have ADHD, you will find quite a few actors and entertainers. You will also find many people who speak for there living.

Has anybody else had experiences with Toastmasters International?

I've been going to the UK equivalent, the Association of Speakers Clubs, for several years. I recommend it to anyone.

It builds confidence and teaches you a skill that will be of benefit throughout your life.


Chris

very good advice thanks , my father used to attend and go to speaking contests, I do remember some trophys for public speaking

Yup, I'm a member too and found the same benefits you did.

I even was assigned to do a bi-monthly customer service presentation at my old job because the person they originally assigned it to was scared of speaking in public. They gave it to me because of my Toastmasters experience and I was always getting complimented on my speaking skills.

I was so glad to have seen this post. :)

I am a member and V.P. of Membership for our local Toastmasters club. I can not say enough good things about Toastmasters. I just completed my Compentent Toastmaster track (CTM) in June.

Toastmasters provides a safe and positive environment for those that want to improve their speaking skills. There is no pressure to join or participate. The certification tracks are all self-paced.

Toastmasters International (http://www.toastmasters.org/)

There is also a directory that will help you find a local club.

Thanks for posting this thread.

Do you think that Toastmasters might have benefits that are especially important to people with ADD/ADHD? I have found, in my case, that Toastmasters has helped me deal with or overcome several of my ADHD behavior and self image problems.

If you agree that there may be a special benefit to our ADD Forums members from Toastmasters, how would you recommend that this be communicated to our other members? Perhaps, the General Forum where I have posted this is not the best Forum to use. Or maybe there are several Forums that would be appropriate.

I am new to this site and would appreciate input. What are your thoughts?

By the way, I went from being a public speaking basket case to Advanced Toastmaster, and was elected Club President (four times) and Area Governor. I feel so good about what Toastmasters has done for me that I want to share the benefits of the Toastmasters experience with anybody that can also benefit from it.
My sons (both ADHD and in Toastmasters) comments to me have been that Toastmasters should be a recommended therapy/program for any ADHD person who needs/wants to build a strong self confidence, an ability to communicate and the ability to lead a group or meeting (or just participate effectively in a good conversation).

Am I proselytizing? I do hope so!!!

Larry

My sons (both ADHD and in Toastmasters) comments to me have been that Toastmasters should be a recommended therapy/program for any ADHD person who needs/wants to build a strong self confidence, an ability to communicate and the ability to lead a group or meeting (or just participate effectively in a good conversation).I think it'd be good for anyone with a self-image problem or who wants to learn how to speak better.

It's helped me gather my thoughts and not become nervous if I get asked a question and can't think of an answer right away. It's also helped improve my overall speaking ability than if I hadn't taken it at all, which has proven to be a plus - especially if I suddenly get put into a speaking situation.

One big thing I've noticed is it's even helped me order my thoughts and speak better in regular conversations. If I make a verbal flub, I'm much less embarassed than I was before and can shrug it off.

About crossposting on Toastmasters in different threads, it's generally considered bad form in this forum and in others. My suggestion would be to check out other ADD forums and talk about how it's helped you.

Has anybody else had experiences with Toastmasters International?

Until I read this post I had no idea what Toastmasters was so it would be a no I have never had an experience with this particular program. . . . .I read the name and thought of food (sorry I am hungry I guess) :rolleyes:

If you agree that there may be a special benefit to our ADD Forums members from Toastmasters, how would you recommend that this be communicated to our other members?

Don't look now but I think ya just did. The only other place I could see this topic as being appropriate is in the treatment section under misc. This is a higher traffic area.


About crossposting on Toastmasters in different threads, it's generally considered bad form in this forum and in others.

The above statement , would be correct. Most ADDers have a redundancy aversion; however this will not be the only time the question about speaking in conversation or in groups will come up. You are free to share your experience just try to avoid being a broken record, due to the ADD and redundancy aversion thing.

Thanks for your help and input!

You opened my eyes on the lack of general familiarity with Toastmasters. The words "communication" and "self confidence" are better subject matter.

Regarding cross-threading, I did not express myself clearly. I meant post directly in another forum which might be more appropriate than the general forum.