I’ve always enjoyed (?) public speaking, particularly when it involves sharing my recovery journey and hopefully helping other people through honesty and lived experience.

I joined Northampton Speakers Toastmasters in May 2024 because I wanted to become far more confident and capable as a speaker. Since then it’s been challenging, rewarding, slightly nerve-wracking at times, and genuinely great fun.

There’s a surprising amount of preparation involved, but the group itself is incredibly supportive and social. Every other Monday gives me a chance to step away from running completely and focus on something very different.

Oddly enough, it’s also helping shape my coaching and communication skills far more than I expected.