Summary

Ed Fields overcame extreme shyness and transformed into an accomplished public speaker through Toastmasters and the heartfelt advice of his mentor, Dale, to always speak from the heart.

Abstract

Ed Fields recounts his journey from a painfully shy child to a distinguished public speaker, emphasizing the pivotal role of Toastmasters International and the guidance of his mentor, Dale. Despite initial discomfort, Fields persisted with the organization throughout high school, eventually earning the title "Best Speaker." The most impactful advice he received was from Dale, who encouraged him to speak authentically from the heart, a principle that has consistently guided Fields in his professional and personal speaking engagements. Fields reflects on the importance of having something meaningful to say and the power of speaking with sincerity, which has bolstered his confidence in various leadership roles.

Opinions

The author believes that speaking from the heart is the key to successful public speaking.
Fields suggests that preparation and practice, as provided by Toastmasters, are crucial in developing public speaking skills.
The personal connection and mentorship from Dale were instrumental in Fields' transformation as a speaker.
The author values the importance of having a genuine message when addressing an audience.
Fields implies that his public speaking abilities have been vital in navigating challenging leadership situations.

Public Speaking

This One Thing Changed My Public Speaking Ability Forever

Practical advice to help you find your voice and kill your fear of public speaking

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

I was an extremely shy kid. So shy, my parents didn’t know what was going on with me half the time because I was behind a closed door until high school.

They thought I was weird. Just ask them.

I didn’t care. Throughout my early years I stayed in my happy place in my bedroom, reading books, writing, and playing with toys — alone — until family time ensued.

But, something clicked after my freshman year in high school. That summer I had a desire to do more and to be more.

A teacher recommended I get involved with a public speaking organization called Toastmasters International that helped people present themselves publicly.

So, in my sophomore year at Milwaukee Tech and Trade High School I walked one mile to join an after-school student chapter of Toastmasters, hosted by a local manufacturing company.

I felt totally out of place. I sat in the back of the room the first day.

But, each week I returned and three years later — three months before my high school graduation — I earned the title “Best Speaker” of the Club.

Image of the author’s Best Speaker recognition from Allen-Bradley Toastmasters Club

How did the transformation happened?

Surely, the Toastmasters speech training and practice played a major role in developing habits that helped me perform better.

But, there was something else. Something singular.

Dale’s Advice

Our club advisor, Dale, was an employee of Allen-Bradley, the company that hosted our club.

Dale, was a middle-aged guy, short with big fat fingers and a serious, yet kind personality. We could tell he really enjoyed his role in our lives — helping urban Milwaukee kids find their voice.

When I gave my final Toastmasters speech, Dale approached me as I walked off the stage. I barely made it off the last stair from the stage when he grabbed me gently by both shoulders with those fat fingers.

With tears rolling from his eyes, he congratulated me and urged me to do one thing, always: “Eddie, always speak from the goddamn heart. You will get them every time.”

That was the last time someone called me Eddie.

It was also the last time I spoke at a Toastmaster meeting, nearly 30 years later when I gave this speech the day following the January 6th riot.

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I have no memory what my winning speech was about, but I have never forgotten Dale’s advice. It has sustained me when I wasn’t quite sure about what to say.

This has served me well in professional and personal situations.

Speak from the heart.

That advice freed me. I went on to win oratorical contests, give speeches and presentations across the nation, and give me confidence in some really challenging leadership situations.

I’d add one more piece of advice: before you speak be sure you have something to say.

You’d be surprised how often you speak without really thinking about what you want to convey.

Know what is in your heart and speak from it.

Honestly,

Ed.

Ed Fields is a poet, essayist and strategist. Follow him on LinkedIn, Medium, or Instagram.