During the Table Topics portion of the Toastmasters' meeting, do you feel an initial rush of terror when you are selected to speak?  Here's how fellow Toastmasters control it and how they quickly organize their thoughts for a response.

Toastmaster Janice, CTM: I think any feeling of "terror" goes away over time. There is a certain level of nervousness when I am called on to speak,  but it is better now.  The control factor comes into play when I begin to get my mind working on the question.  There is no room for terror.  Organizing my thoughts is a challenge. The coup for me is to find a start. I first try to find a beginning, then plan my thoughts as I go.   

Toastmaster Mitch: My goal at Toastmasters has been to improve on my impromptu speaking. That's why I've had so few prepared speeches.  Initially I would be scared, but not so anymore.  My challenge is to figure out what to say that would be interesting and enjoyable to the listeners.   

Toastmaster Paula, ATM:  I used to feel an initial rush of terror but don't so much anymore.  I would say it is more of an adrenaline rush, a type of fight or flight response, and it's more positive than before.  Now it is actually exciting to be selected to do Table Topics.  There are a couple of things I do when I have not ever put any thought into the subject.  First, I would repeat the question.  It gives me time to focus.  Another thing is to just open my mouth and begin moving it, because I usually will get to a point and then make it.  Another thing I will do is free association.  I know that this may not be an organized approach, but it helps me come up with something to say.