Exposure to Social Situations
167a large class will save you from having to pay registration fees while still 
providing you with an opportunity to ask questions in public.
UÊMake an impromptu speech or toast at a wedding, party, group dinner, 
or other social gathering . If you are invited to a party or are planning to 
have a party of your own, offer to make a short speech in front of the other 
guests.
UÊTake a public speaking course . There are numerous companies that offer 
public speaking courses (especially for businesspeople). These classes are 
sometimes expensive, but it may be worth ﬁnding out more about the avail -
able options (perhaps your workplace would help to cover the costs). Check 
the Internet or your local Yellow Pages to learn about courses. There are 
many options available, including, for example, courses by Dale Carnegie 
Training (www.dalecarnegie.com) and The Leader’s Institute (www.leaders  
institute.com).
UÊJoin Toastmasters International . Toastmasters is an organization that holds 
meetings for individuals who are interested in learning to speak more effec -
tively in front of others. They have more than 11,000 clubs located in ninety 
countries around the world. Typically, groups include about twenty indi -
viduals who meet for one to two hours each week. Annual membership is 
inexpensive. For more information, visit www.toastmasters.org.
UÊTake a drama or music class . Taking a theater, drama, or music class will 
provide you with opportunities to perform in front of others. Classes may 
be available at local high schools or colleges, professional theater or music 
schools, the YMCA, or through other agencies.