Breech cloth.
I said I liked a challenge, but after learning one of the cardinal toast master virtues was preparation, I really understood what challenge I was getting myself into.
This is all to say that if there was a decent first impression, I would like to impress on the known world that I would be the Duke of breech cloths. It's ridiculous, but so is imagining everybody in nothing but their underwear. But then again, a lot of people fear public speaking more than they do death. Communication skills count for everything. Effective communication leads to effective leadership. Being a figurehead of an organization- pulling double duty as leader and poster child mind you- I can honestly say that public speaking is the trade of the job.
I test most wording and phrasing before putting it out there for the world to see. Words count for everything. For instance when I want volunteers I say "I understand what sacrifices you are all making as students, parents, folks who hold down jobs, but this project is as ambitious as you make it to be. It can be as big as you allow it to be." For fundraisers I use the "If we want to reach, transform, and touch lives, we invest and be good stewards of the time treasures, and talents we see worth investing in. What you're supporting allows us to do this and goes to more than just one cause and benefits more people you can imagine."
I know I've half way decently done my job when I'm greeted with a warm smile and somebody will say to me "I feel like I know you."
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