MAY 5, 2010: ROCK HILL, 2010 -- according to a a recent study from a Texas university, giving a presentation in public is the number one fear in the U.S. That said, there are people who love talking to a crowd.
You may have heard of one popular club --- they are called Toastmasters and Tuesday night CN2's Lucas McFadden paid a visit to the 50th anniversary meeting of the Rock Hill club.
As a Rock Hill firefighter, Sheila Gates-Brown knew her job would be physical, but she quickly learned it would be more than just that.
"There are a lot of things involved with fire fighting," said Sheila Gates-Brown. "You actually fight a fire, but you have to communicate with the owner of the house.... communicate with them."
So to become a stronger communicator... Sheila joined the Rock Hill Toastmasters International Club.
"I like the fact that it has taught me how to speak better in front of people... be prepared to give speeches and think off the cuff," Gates-Brown said.
Toastmasters International has been around since the 1920's. The Rock Hill club since the 60's.
"The mission of the Toastmasters Club."
During the meetings, various members give prepared speeches and getting feedback from their peers.
One person keeps time, another is responsible for counting umm, how often a person says common crutch words .....like, like umm...
"That was the big thing... um... er... so... now I count everyone's ums!," Gates-Brown said.
Besides prepared speeches; there are also two-minute improvised presentations that can be fictional.
Lucas McFadden quickly went from reporter to Toastmaster.
The assignment, report on the biggest story of 1960! No time to think... Lucas said a meteor had hit Rock Hill.
"The story of the century...in the Charlotte Area," McFadden said.
Good or bad, McFadden got applause...and have a new appreciation for those who don't have teleprompter.
There are more than four million people in the world who are part of the Toastmasters Club. The Rock Hill Club is opened to the entire community and they are looking for new members.
They meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at Westminister Towers. To learn more just go to our web channel and click on featured links.
