Andrew Krotz considers his words carefully. He speaks slowly, succinctly and his conversation reveals an emerging confidence in communicating with people.
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About four months ago he first stepped behind the lectern at a ‘Talk It Up’ meeting in Taree, and the decision to push his comfort zone with public speaking is contributing to significant personal growth.
I was a little nervous, a little scared, but it’s really rewarding and very enjoyable.
- Andrew Krotz
‘Talk It Up’ is a Toastmasters initiative that focuses on supporting people with disability to develop confidence and communication skills. About Inclusion, a disability support services provider in Taree, assists Andrew to take part in the monthly club meetings at the tourist information centre in Taree. It is one of numerous initiatives in the region that contributes to enhancing the lives of people with a disability, and it is spotlighted following the International Day for People with Disabilities on December 3.
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At 46, Andrew has clocked up more than a few life experiences, and learned a few things that have shaped his opinions. He says “communicating clearly can be a barrier in relationships with people and this is helping me.”
Standing behind the lectern, Andrew considers his words carefully as he explains the role and impact of the club.
“Talk it Up Toastmasters is about improving confidence, and improving public speaking in forums all around the Manning Valley and wherever we go to speak publicly. Where we can go out and talk about any issue, at any time that we’re asked to talk about, and show confidence, poise and accuracy in what we say,” Andrew said.
Generous applause is given and Andrew smiles, happy with his impromptu speech and its reception by other ‘Talk It Up’ participants, support workers and Toastmasters members.
“They make it an easy room to work as everyone claps and supports each other.”
Andrew intends to continue taking part in ‘Talk It Up’ meetings.
“I want to continue doing it for self development. It’s enjoyable and rewarding to work on yourself and to build your confidence.
“I enjoy the challenge of ‘Word of the Day’. You are given a word with a couple of different meanings and then you are supposed to bring that into your speech. Last week it was ‘service’, so think of service in tennis, computer service or community service. The word means different things and it’s interesting to try to bring it into a speech.”
I am thankful for what I’ve learned. It teaches you to communicate, to help you to say what you think and build better relationships with people, and that’s important.
- Andrew Krotz
To learn more about ‘Talk It Up” contact Michael Hollingworth on 0409 558 199.
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