Roughly four out of 10 Americans have glossophobia, better known as having a fear of public speaking, and it is even slotted ahead of death, spiders, and a fear of heights.
You can cross Lisa Sims off that list.
Sims, a Psychologist in Counseling and Psychological Services at DeWeese Health Center, participated in the Toastmasters International speech contest after joining in September 2020. Participants – known as Toastmasters – begin at a smaller local level and advance based on how prolific the stories are they can tell in an impromptu fashion. The area contests, held on March 13, were virtual, and Sims competed with other members from Kent, Hudson, Twinsburg, Akron, and Stow. She took first place.
After advancing to the Division Contest, Sims entered herself into what is known as the Tall Tales competition, consisting of presenting a speech on a topic that is highly exaggerated and carries an improbable theme or plot. Read the full story.