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As part of my business, it's my job to bring influential
dentists and orthodontists from overseas to give
lectures to dentists here in Australia.
I was also given the job of introducing them, which filled me with dread. After one such introduction,
a 10 second effort, the speaker from Scotland spoke to me at break time and suggested I join
Toastmasters so I could improve my efforts.
Some months later, I turned up at Knox to observe a meeting. I attended 6 meetings as a guest,
always refusing invitations to speak or join in at all. Eventually after asking myself why I was
coming at all, I jumped in and "Gave it a go". The club members were very supportive and
gave me the encouragement to continue.
After about 18 months in Toastmasters, a dentist in Singapore suggested to me that I could
lecture in Singapore at his invitation. I decided to give it a go, figuring if I messed it up,
no one knows me anyway and I'll just disappear.
It went so well that things just snowballed from that one lecture. I now present about 50 lectures
a year around the world and get paid to do it. I have lectured for 600 dentists at big meetings in
USA and left with all expenses paid AND a nice cheque.
I've been in Toastmasters for 10 years and have taken my time achieving my DTM, I've enjoyed every
step along the way.
Toastmasters has given me the know how and the confidence to do this, has helped me in many areas
of my personal and professional life and I'm glad I took the step that night to stand up and introduce
myself to the Knox members.
Further information is available from my website
www.ortholab.com.au
Graham Manley
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