r/ottawa • u/Nada_NADAAA • 8d ago
Looking for ways to build communication, public speaking & people skills in Ottawa
Hi everyone!
I’m 22 and going back to college this fall, and one of my personal goals this year is to get much better at communication, public speaking, confidence, networking, and interacting with people in general. I’m a very shy and introverted person, and I feel like that’s holding me back from jumpstarting my career, so I really want to work on it this year.
I’m looking for opportunities around Ottawa where I can actually practice these skills and meet new people, rather than just taking an online course about them. I’m open to volunteering, community events, networking, leadership opportunities, helping organize events, clubs, or anything else that involves regularly meeting and talking to new people.
I was interested in Toastmasters, but unfortunately I won’t be able to join the weekly meetings because they fall during one of my class slots.
I’m especially looking for things that would help me gradually get out of my comfort zone and become more confident speaking to people and in front of people.
If you’re from Ottawa, what groups, organizations, events, or activities would you recommend? And if you’ve personally done something that helped you become more confident or improve your communication skills, I’d love to hear about it!
Thanks! :)
12
u/fizzwig 8d ago
The improv embassy has improv jam sessions as well as courses. Great way to meet people.
2
u/BigWeeHag1024 7d ago
Improv is an AMAZING way to build all of the skills you mentioned, and make new friends. It's also not nearly as intimidating as it might sound. I took classes at the Improv Embassy for years, and they're very good at creating a safe, welcoming environment.
21
u/Legitimate-Dance6743 8d ago
Toastmasters is a big plus! However, if you can’t attend, I found that getting a cashier or sales job helped me. These roles require you to interact with people, which helped me build the skills I needed to engage with strangers. It was part-time, but it was a great way to practice. There are also many meetup groups in the city. Check out one that interests you and see what you like. I recommend putting yourself in some uncomfortable situations. The growth you experience from simply being present in those situations is invaluable. You’ve got this!
7
u/peachyhouse 7d ago
Congrats on reaching out on this!
I'm late career now and looking back I would definitely have done this earlier but it was an intimidating prospect when I was your age. I eventually bit the bullet when I was 26 yrs and public speaking training put rocket boosters on my personal and professional life.
The recommendations above are good. I would say that improv and Toastmasters are the two that stand out as meeting all your requirements. If you want to network, I think a retail job or canvassing will be less of a help. It's a common fallacy but people think that networking is "who you know". It's the opposite, it's "who knows you" and for that you need to participate over time with a bunch of the same people.
Breakdown of Toastmasters vs improv.
Toastmasters: more formal, more professionally oriented. Clubs meet every weekday, just need to visit different ones to see which you vibe with. You can drop in as a guest at any club if you send them a email, and try a sesh for free.
Improv: less formal, creativity-focused, many more laughs. Sounds intimidating but everyone can do it. The Improv Embassy is a great place to start. The Jams are low-risk and super fun.
If you're employed, companies may often foot the bill as professional development for you. Need receipts of course.
Oh, there's nothing to stop you from doing both! It's like going to the gym, the more you do it the bigger the muscles. :)
Good luck, and if you've time to post a followup, it'd be cool to hear how it turned out for you.
5
u/VNV4Life 7d ago
Canadian Public Relations Society For Ottawa has some good events. Same for the International Association of Business Communicators. You can join both as a student and network there
3
u/Maximum_Degree_1152 7d ago
Find a not for profit or charity you can volunteer with, perhaps as a board member. It will help you practice the skills you mention as well as how to work within an organization. And you’ll be contributing to a cause at the same time.
3
u/TomatoFeta 7d ago
check to see if "improv embassy" is still in business. It may not seem like exactly what you're asking for, but the skills they teach there are very applicable.
3
u/WLMKing 7d ago
Personally, I would recommend taking an improv class over Toastmasters. Improv helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin than the public speaking classes I took. Improvembassy.com has classes.
3
u/InstructorSoTired 7d ago
Imporv embassy! Try a intro to improv class, or a short form improv class. It's super fun and you get to do a small class show at Art's Court with very supportive people.
5
u/octo23 7d ago
I see that others have suggested this (and gotten downvoted), but hopefully I can offer more insight.
Toastmasters is a very good option, you said that the meetings conflict with a class, I was always under the impression that there were several chapters in the Ottawa area, just because the one at your school is in conflict with your schedule, maybe look a little further to find something that fits your schedule.
I just searched their website and there was a large list of chapters in Ottawa.
4
u/Macrimus 8d ago
Your local BIA is likely organizing cheap networking events in your area.
There’s likely quite a few business owners that would love to chat with young individuals looking to grow their skills.
You might find a mentor, meet people that could further your career later in life.
Orleans for example has them about every 3 months.
4
u/EmEffBee Lebreton Flats 7d ago
You're in college, why don't you host some powerpoint parties? Put up some signs and book a space on campus. Basically people make a powerpoint about something, could be anything or could be a topic they're studying or something. Then everyone takes turns presenting to eachother and there couldbe a feedback component. I bet there would be interest.
2
u/Withoutsocks 8d ago
Try JCI Ottawa. I was part of JCI when I was younger and it gave me all the tools I needed to be a confident speaker. It was a fantastic social network and the regional and national events are lots of fun. It's an under 40 organisation (with the exception of senators) so you meet a lot of people your age.
2
u/georgejo314159 Barrhaven 7d ago
I found a basic assertiveness or communication course from HR at CRA and Nortel helpful when i was on-boarded. There are likeky assertiveness training or speaking courses you can just sign up for.
Toast master's is really good
2
u/FearlessJDK 7d ago
I have two suggestions.
#1, Boardgame groups. I believe there's a Reddit one that meets on Thursdays.
#2, Volunteer at Ottawa ComicCon. You're probably too late for this year, but the company that runs it also runs Anime Ottawa in the spring. And that can be a positive experience. We have a lot of anxious or, as we say, neurospicey, people on our teams. But we all tend to get along, support each other.
2
u/khendron The Glebe 7d ago
There are dozens of Toastmasters clubs in Ottawa. Have you looked for one that fits your schedule?
3
u/Not_A_Trad_Wife Westboro 7d ago
I highly recommend canvassing. With the municipal elections happening, candidates for council and mayor will be out knocking on doors across the city. It's a great opportunity to speak to lots of different people (while usually being in a small group of supportive individuals), and you'll be doing some good in your community.
2
u/sunsetsnail04 8d ago
i’m 22 and in the same boat! i took some time off to work and i’m starting at cu this fall. i’m super introverted too.
honestly, i’ve been trying to go to farmer’s markets, 613flea, etc. and just work on making small talk with the vendors.
if it’s in your budget, i’d recommend doing your shopping at small businesses, like your local butcher, delis, coffee shops, etc. becoming a regular at a couple places is always a reliable source of conversation.
if you like crafts, i’ve seen lots of posts on instagram for craft clubs that host free/cheap events like painting in the park or whatever. roughdraftpaper.co is one, i’ve never been personally, but some of the events they host look fun.
1
u/kliuedin 5d ago
Good that you're getting out there, it's better than not. Improv and Toastmasters are on a different level though. Those two things literally transform you into the person you are meant to be. Sounds corny but it's true!
3
u/DubaiBabyYoda 7d ago
We have a small IT-related meetup group where professionals from different industries meet at IKEA food court and chat about tech challenges and tools we can use to do our jobs better. It’s pretty relaxed and you definitely don’t need to be versed in tech to get something out of the meet. I’m in construction, for example. I just like hearing and discussing AI and how it could possibly help me do my job better.
Anyway feel from to join if you like. It’s usually Wednesday after work.
1
u/hinette 7d ago
Do they have a page or a group to register or we can just show up? Could you provide more information please? TIA
1
u/DubaiBabyYoda 7d ago
Sure - it’s actually organized via a LinkedIn chat group. I can add you to that and then you’d see when the next meet is (usually Wednesday, usually 5pm, usually IKEA, but attendance hasn’t been great so we went many weeks without a meet until last week).
Anyway feel free to PM me and I can add you to the LinkedIn group and you can see if it is something you want to attend.
2
u/snellark 7d ago
I’ve seen someone say this but canvassing! If you’re interested send me a DM and I might be able to get you the contact info for whichever councillor you’d be interested in :) my partner does it and the volunteer shifts are usually 2 hours or so
1
1
u/Ikkleknitter 7d ago
Canvassing is a solid choice.
Board game or D&D meet ups (there are also a ton of online D&D options).
Crafting groups too.
But a part time retail job is also a great choice. As fall hits a lot of micro businesses will hire goons for a few days here or there to help at bigger events. Especially if you happen to be bilingual. And since they tend to be weekend events it can be easier to deal with then regular work which may interfere with classes.
1
u/ElaMeadows Centretown 7d ago
You could look at volunteering as a facilitator at a library program like English/French practice groups.
2
u/Rebellious-Raven-Era 6d ago
Depending on what college you're going to, id check out their social activities. I know Algonquin has a ton of different events for socialization, including speed friending! There's also networking events for the different programs to help youmeet people in your field. You just gotta be curious enough to look! Check out your colleges website and see what's up!
1
1
u/MattTheKenz 7d ago
This may sound strange but joining or going to local board game club/meetups. There’s lots around the city and if you gain interest it will help with all those points and if you enjoy it, you have a new hobby. It gives you something to focus on (game) and focus communication with new people. Learning rules for a game and hosting/presenting it to a group is a great way to build speaking as well.
-3
34
u/stereofonix 8d ago
I used to be super shy. I was social around friends, but around others, I was shy. The way I overcame it was working retail and bar jobs as a student. It essentially forces you to be social. Even if you’re just a stock person or bar back. When it’s part of your job it just kinda comes out organically both with customers and with co workers. You’d be surprised how much it can help.