<p>I'm quite a shy and reserved person but I have been elected President for Key Club due to popularity (of my good grades that is xD). My speech went well, although I was very nervous when giving it. Starting next year, I will be managing mostly everything in the club and I will have to give speeches every club meeting. I don't really feel comfortable talking in front of a class of people, especially to those whom are in higher grades than I. How should I improve my courage of speaking? What should I do over the summer to improve me leadership skills? </p>
<p>I think I need to learn how to be a bit more commanding because most of the time I offer to help people out instead of tell people to help me. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to do everything by myself next year and I need this down by the beginning of next year. Our club basically has to set up volunteer opportunities for the members so that we can help out the community and what not.</p>
<p>Try watching yourself talk in a mirror and then later, go with friends to a party and chat it up. </p>
<p>Leadership can definitely be learned. As president, don't try to do everything yourself- learn to delegate. Make sure you keep the lines of communication open within your officer corps and your adviser. Offer tips often, trust your officers, but act with authority when time is an issue (after all a rough plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow)</p>
<p>Well, in the clubs I've really enjoyed, you should definitely make it fun, and have incentives for doing things. </p>
<p>Ex. Make different points for different projects. Staying after for a half hour and doing something = 1 pt, Going to a nursing home = 2 pts, etc and then pick a reasonable amount. I've always found that "pt" clubs are the most popular b/c everyone who wants to can do it, even if they have a sport, or whatever.</p>
<p>The only way to conquer fear of public speaking is to do it, as much as you can. That being said, there are techniques you can learn about how to put together a good speech. During the summer, you may want to see if there's a local chapter of Toastmasters International that has meetings you could attend. Their whole purpose is to make people better public speakers.
<a href="http://www.toastmasters.org%5B/url%5D">www.toastmasters.org</a></p>
<p>True true. I was just like you and screwed up being president in Asian Caucus. I was a complete nerd that I thought would forever be doomed to the life of a hermit. </p>
<p>I joined Speech team and Debate team, because of my horrible HORRIBLE public speaking skills. It was nerve-racking to be with one of the most outgoing and professional speakers of the school, and it was clear that I was nowhere to being qualified for State my first year. It's literally changed my scope of who I am. Being reserved doesn't give you a lot of opportunities. Being publicly open does. Quite honestly, I have not yet done such an academically challenging thing since then--it was extremely hard, personally, and I wanted to quit after seeing my placement every tournament--but ws one of the best things I've ever done. Now, life's a lot more colorful :) And in a huge classroom week & a half-long debate in one of my classes, I became the champion of the year! :D Of course I've improved my speaking skills a lot since back then, but if you want more leadership opportunities that you can actually mentally and emotionally handle, I say join a public speaking group.</p>
<p>Congratulations Koda! The above suggestions are all great. I'd just like to add: if you don't have summer plans yet, you can probably arrange to be a volunteer counselor at a kids summer recreation program. That would give you plenty of opportunities to speak(yell) and lead. Also you would get to practice creating an atmosphere in which people are having fun, which you will need to do for your club.</p>
<p>Toastmasters sounds like a great way to develop leadership skills but it seems like it is only for adults (people over 18). Has anyone had experience with the clubs? Are there any other things I could join to improve my leadership/social skills?</p>
<p>For me ( President of 4 clubs/ community organizations and ASB President next year)
what works is not thinking of it as a speech
Think of it as a conversation
and speak from your passion for Key Club
Take confidence in the fact that your members voted for you</p>
<p>From experience People LOVE to be needed
tell members how important THEY are and share your vision- I promise people will latch on and will love to help
Feign confidence- once you fake it enough it will come</p>
<p>Read leadership books over the summer and come with your own style
Talk to President's in other clubs at school to cooridinate collarborative volunteer efforts</p>