Quora Answer: If I Want to Become a Public Speaker, Where Do I Start?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “If one is looking to become a public speaker, what avenues do you suggest to get the ball rolling?” 

The logical step is to join a Toastmasters club, and start from there.  The Toastmasters programme, done correctly, is an effective way to master the art of rhetoric.  The multitude of clubs allow you an opportunity to practice before a variety of audiences.  There are speech contests to test yourself.  Clubs and Districts runs training programmes where experienced Toastmasters pass on their knowledge, often at minimal cost or free.  Many of these programmes cost thousands outside Toastmasters. 

Once you have all that, Toastmasters is also the place to network.  There are a lot of professional speakers, coaches and trainers, as well as executives, organisational leaders, and even government officials who are Toastmasters.  If you prove yourself in the Toastmasters circuit, you will be invited to conduct programmes and workshops within and without Toastmasters, and gain access to speaking engagements.