I am beginning to get the hang of Toastmasters. I was told it is a good sign if you feel twitchy inside, it means you are not over-confident, but I need convincing. My American friend Scott, a fantastic salsa dancer, came with me to this weeks class, he has been to one in Alaska.

The theme was nursery rhymes, imagining you were there, giving it a twist and explaining its meaning – a lot to do in 2 mins. I surpassed my previous attempts and spoke for 2 mins 19 secs. My nursery rhyme was Three Blind Mice and, after a shaky start, I imagined my mice were being chased up Vesuvius and down again to Pompeii when the farmer’s wife looked behind and saw the volcano beginning to erupt and was able to warn local people to escape. Wow, where did that come from!! Scott kindly said he thought I was the best of the bunch: not yet, maybe never, but it’s nice to be told so.

Speaking afterwards to members, I was amazed at how many people I considered good told me they were very nervous; I guess they hide it well, like me.