Author Archives: Kay Heald

Online Confidence

Posted on April 14, 2020 by Kay Heald

Do you wish you had greater confidence when speaking in public? Start with building your online confidence Continue reading →

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What is Toastmasters Like?

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Kay Heald

When I am asked ‘what is Toastmasters like?’, I always suggest that someone comes along to one of our meetings to find out, because it was not at all what I expected. What made me want to try Toastmasters? About … Continue reading →

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Nervous Speaker

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Kay Heald

Would you describe yourself as a reluctant or nervous speaker? A couple of years ago, this would certainly have described me! When I had to speak in public my mouth would go dry, my hands would shake and my voice … Continue reading →

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Grammar Cakes

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Kay Heald

Shropshire Speakers is one of 400 UK public speaking clubs affiliated to Toastmasters International. However, there is so much more to Shropshire Speakers than just delivering speeches. As a member of the Club, you are given the opportunity to develop … Continue reading →

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Youth Leadership Program (YLP) Legacy

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Kay Heald

Have you ever wondered why they don’t teach public speaking and presentation skills in school?  Aren’t schools supposed to be helping the younger generation to become work-ready?  Well, it transpires that they have specific targets for academic subjects that they … Continue reading →

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Competent Communication

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Kay Heald

The Competent Communicator is the first public speaking certification offered by Toastmasters. When you become a member, you receive a book called Competent Communication, containing 10 speech projects, each outlining a speaking skill to practice via a prepared speech at … Continue reading →

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President of Shropshire Speakers, a Toastmasters Club

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Kay Heald

I sit. Waiting to be called up to the front of the Club. It’s an honour. It’s scary.  It’s a challenge.  I’m apprehensive.  I’m excited.  I’m nervous.  I think I feel sick, no, it’s nerves (get a grip!). My heart … Continue reading →

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Shropshire Speakers Birth and Growth

Posted on September 4, 2017 by Kay Heald

The Birth and Growth of a Chartered Toastmasters Club It was a cold February afternoon in 2010 when one of my coaching clients asked me to support her when attending a speaking club in Birmingham for the first time, as … Continue reading →

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My First Toastmasters Speech

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Kay Heald

21st June – what a wonderful evening! I took the bold step to deliver my first Toastmasters speech and receive evaluation. My speech title, ‘Lifting the Lid’, proved to be an epic to share my life moments and experience! I spoke … Continue reading →

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Public Speaking: No Looking Back

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Kay Heald

Finding out about Shropshire Speakers It was a phone conversation with my brother in Canada when I first learnt about Toastmasters. He had just joined in Vancouver and recommended that I go along to a club in Shropshire. Intrigued by … Continue reading →

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