u/Agreeably0192

Hi good people,

I am an ambitious technology professional looking to increase my impact and network and also perform a quantum leap in my personal development journey (what's more quantum than going from introvert and shy to speaking in conferences).

I have done speeches via Zoom a lot of times (I have a contract with a university) and people praise me for the engagement I can bring to the speeches. Apart from some brown bags between friends, family or teammates at work I have never spoken in a physical public setting with strangers.

So what is more normal than joining a Toastmaster club? First meeting, they bring me up for an impromptu speech and they ask me to talk about myself. I am pretty good at explaining things about my profession or areas I am passionate about. But speaking about myself? Meh...

Impromptu speeches are challenging themselves, let alone how my difficulty speaking about myself. So I blacked-out and even though I persisted for the whole minute and didnt bail, it was the worst speech I could give. I rewind it in my mind and it was a compilation of absolute nonsense, to the degree I believe I am an inside joke for the "old gang" of the club.

I now feel like, even doing an icebreaker presentation in Toastmasters, is a giant task and I have not even opened my learning path. Let alone speaking in the conferences I am targeting. Speaking on camera though? Not a problem baby, I just delivered one today.

Any help, tips, hints, baby-talking or sincere yelling etc is appreciated. :)

P.S: I have recently started speaking to my phone camera and watching myself. I am NOT freaking out, looks pretty normal. I dont know if it says something or if it is irrelevant

I have noticed that accor asks for your date of birth so that they can "give you special treatment" if you are travelling during your birthday. What do you expect in general, have you received such a treatment before? Also I am arriving 3 days post my birthday, am I eligible?

I would love to hear your stories to get inspiration and a better idea of the transit, as I am going through this now.

Δουλευω χρονια κανοντας gigs, επι το πλειστον με ξενους. Νιωθω οτι ειναι πολυ δυσκολο να βρεις στην Ελλαδα ευκολα. Δεν ανοιγουν καν αγγελιες και πανε ολοι με word of mouth. οσοι τα εχετε καταφερει, πως το κανατε?

Is it me or are we keep recycling around the same basic topics with an attitude of inflated importance?

I am looking to visit Sharm as a solo traveller, to recharge my batteries. My first choice is novotel (beach wing). Food, swim, casual book reading and sports. I dont care about the various solo trips that are advertised.

Have you done something similar? What is your view on the food and the sport activities (I see they have gym, tennis, volley)