Society question,

brendy

brendy

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I am am member of a society, quite an old one at that which plays some of the best courses in belfast area. I will be starting my 4th year as a member this month. Anyway, I have just been asked if I will put my name forward for vice captain, this has relly taken me aback, I hadn't entertained the thought at all so it has really come as an unexpected bolt from the blue. This society has around 100 members with a long history with around a third at least turning up each month so to me, this is a real honour to be asked. The only thing is that I am rubbish at public speaking and hate being in the limelight in person. Should I accept or politely decline due to nerves but thank them for considering me and explain that it may be too early for me?I know the vice captain helps the captain during the year in his absiece etc, what else is entailed?
 
I think this could be an oportunity for you to over come that fear of public speaking. Judging by your contributions on here, am in no doubt that you will fulfil the role brilliantly. The fact that you have been asked is recognition of good leadership qualities and a friendly face. I say... GO FOR IT!
 
My only other reservation is that I am one of the youngest members so wonder how some of the older never elected members who I get on with, would think and act towards me after the agm this month? I suppose if they have never put their name forward, maybe they wouldnt want the position?
 
Have to agree, go for it. Public speaking cannot be learned it just develops over time as you relax into your role. Speaking about a subject you are knowledgeable on and passionate about is not that hard and the words come naturally. You are clearly knowledgeable and passionate about golf so accept the honour of the position and give it a go.
 
Brendy i am a 23 year old security manager, i have lads from the age of 22-60 (near enough) working under me! I have gained the trust and respect through my actions and attitude. Age has nothing to do with it!
 
Brendy: You've been around long enough to have heard what captains and vice captains have to say - which isn't that much really. And no-one expects you to be a professional public speaker. All you need do is thank the host club, praise the kitchen, congratulate the winner commiserate with the non-winners and bob's your uncle. At first the nerves might be a bit more than standing on the first tee under the gaze of half the club - but they'll pass.

Just bear in mind, they wouldn't have asked if they didn't think you deserved it, nor if they thought you couldn't do it.
 
as far as the older guys, who we may assume have been in your society for some time, it is highly likely that many may have been asked but declined.
 
I will give you an example of my public speaking,
Last Sunday, on finales night, I won POTY and after nearly choking on the news, I then had to get up in front of just short of 100 gents while still sober and the speach went as follows,
"Mr captain, mr vice captain, mr president, mr ex president, assistant pro and gents, (I then took a deep breath, held the mic to my mouth and exhaled "thank you very much" and as I handed the mic back to the captain, put me head down and virtually bolted for my seat at the second bottom table.
The society is a tad less formal though.
 
Brendy

I was asked to be our club captain starting this october i like you dont like public speaking but what has helped is being vice captain and being able to see how the present captain does things rightly or wrongly and learn from that.

Also it took me about three weeks to decide if i should take the post up like you i thought surly there is someone far more deserving coupled with the fact that i to was younger than most past captains.

Then in the end i thought this is to good an oppotunity to miss and i may not get asked again? if the past five captains thought me good enough then that will do for me.Someone has thought the same about you.

So i am going to enjoy my year as captain thats my attitude.Dont pass up the oppountity it may never come around again. Good Luck
 
Go for it Brendy, Having met you last Sunday I find your a good guy and I can't see you having any trouble in speaking to people about the sport you love. I shall have to do some speaking this year infront of the members and others, I'm not looking forward to it but what the hell. Nobody is perfect. I find if you dont take it to seriously you'll soon win them over. The chance may never arise again.
Good luck.
 
brendy, as far as the public speaking is concerned the secret is to prepare but not overly so, make a few notes of what you want to say and try them out in private. the aim is not to read from your notes, they're just there to help you keep on track so you don't leave out anything or anyone important (names you do write down and have in front of you). don't write jokes down, they never work as jokes are about timing.

speak slowly, not inbred hillbilly slow, but slow enough to breathe. If you only have 3 minutes worth to say fine, don't pad it out because the last captain could keep going for 10.
 
Brendy just get a overhead projector and type it out - you dont have any problems here or RMS. :p

Public speaking is just like first tee nerves - you will settle down and get into it. At least the society is less formal it should be good for learning how to public speak.
 
Ahh that makes more sense now, the name is familiar.
You should get your backside along to the next game, most likely edenmore in moira some time next or the following month.
 
I take it from your posts you have decided to accept. Quite right too it will be a great experience. From what I know of you on here you are a thoroughly decent chap with a good wit and repartee.

Just be yourself. Speak with eloquence and passion. As a personal preference don't go overboard on the jokes. I prefer someone who speaks naturally woithout having to rely on "patter".

Above all enjoy the experience
 
Brendy glad to see you have accepted the honour. I was captain of my society and i enjoyed the experience.

Just go and enjoy the next two years.
 
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