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Mei Lin’s stomach churned like a washing machine on spin cycle.
The invitation to Shaklee Dynamic Family International Toastmasters Club sat heavy on her desk.
Public speaking? Her?
The woman who blushed at the mere thought of ordering pizza over the phone? Yet, the dream of confidently leading presentations at Shaklee, the health and wellness company she thrived at, gnawed at her.
Taking a deep breath, she emailed a hesitant RSVP.
The first meeting was an ordeal. Faces blurred as Mei Lin clung to the edge of her seat, the cacophony of friendly chatter a foreign language.
Then, Sarah, the club president, approached her. Sarah’s warm smile was disarming. “Welcome, Mei Lin! Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.” Relief washed over Mei Lin. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Weeks turned into months. Table Topics, the impromptu speaking sessions, became her nemesis. Her mind would go blank, her voice a squeak. But with each session, Sarah’s gentle encouragement and the club’s supportive feedback nudged her forward.
She learned to structure her thoughts, to use humor to connect with the audience. Slowly, the fear loosened its grip.
Then came the day for her Icebreaker speech – a moment every Toastmaster dreads and celebrates. Standing at the podium, Mei Lin closed her eyes, picturing the faces of her supportive Shaklee colleagues. When she opened them, the room felt less intimidating, more like a circle of friends.
Her voice, though shaky at first, grew stronger as she spoke about her passion for health and wellness. A smattering of applause erupted as she finished, a sound sweeter than any victory.
The journey wasn’t always smooth. There were fumbled words and forgotten lines, but with each challenge, Mei Lin emerged a little braver. As she progressed through the Toastmasters program, her confidence soared.
Leading presentations at Shaklee became a breeze, her enthusiasm for the products infectious. She even mentored new members, her early struggles a badge of honor.
One evening, at a Shaklee regional conference, Mei Lin took the stage to deliver a keynote speech. Looking out at the sea of faces, she felt a familiar flutter, but this time, it was excitement. With a confident smile, she launched into her speech, weaving personal anecdotes with powerful product demonstrations.
The applause that thundered when she finished was a testament to her transformation. The shy girl who dreaded phone calls had become a captivating speaker, a leader, all thanks to the Shaklee Dynamic Family International Toastmasters Club.
It wasn’t just about public speaking; it was about finding her voice, and that, Mei Lin realized, was a power worth celebrating.