I don't know many people who can honestly say they enjoy public speaking. However, if you have a business, there will be times you are expected to speak publicly in selling yourself, your products or your services.

In January, Susie Corbett from the Gwinnett-Tucker Toastmasters Club #833 was our featured speaker.  Their mission statement is "To provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth".

If you have the sense you are not being effective when speaking publicly, there are ways to improve.

• Check out the resources at Toastmasters International.
• Linkedin Learning (free access through the Gwinnett Public Library Digital Resources) listed 49 courses when searching under "public speaking".
• Do a Business Spotlight 5 minute presentation at an LBA meeting (including in your membership).
• Practice your elevator speech with a friend who does not know details of your business. 

We will be incorporating public speaking exercises into our meeetings this year. So add becoming Public Speaking Fit to your New Year's Resolutions.