Speaking Life: My Toastmasters Journey… so far

People say the darndest things.

So there I was, in Vancouver, Canada stepping into a taxi, as I headed to a session of the 2017 Toastmasters International Convention.

When I sat down and got settled, the affable driver asked: “What brings you to Vancouver, brother?”

I replied: “I’m here for the Toastmasters International Convention” to which he responds…

“Toastmasters? Are you guys like, cooks who are really good at making toast or something?

I had a hearty laugh and so should you. I never fail to be surprised by the number of people who simply have no idea what Toastmasters is.

Ya gonna learn today!

I Got Skills…

I always thought I was a good communicator and I always figured I was quite articulate. That was, until I was introduced to and later became a Toastmaster.

Now, when I heard about Toastmasters Clubs, I was weary as I had already spent some years as a member of a service club.

Nevertheless, as my department at work was the epi-centre of Toastmasters activities I decided to join.

That was 5 years ago and today I am truly grateful for the experience and opportunities that have blossomed from me becoming a member of this international organisation.

The Programme

Toastmasters International was founded in the United States in 1924 by Ralph Smedley and has since grown into a global community of professionals.

The Toastmasters Educational programme is based on projects that help members to practice and sharpen their public speaking and leadership competencies.

I’ve done just over 30 prepared speeches in my Toastmasters journey so far, ranging from the basics of introducing myself to full interpretive readings of plays.

And the further I go, the more latitude I get to choose projects that are tailored to my personal and professional needs.

Probably the greatest aspect of Toastmasters is the evaluation process which sees, fellow members providing friendly and pointed evaluations of my presentations. These evaluations are guided by outlines that accompany each speech project. Each evaluation is usually delivered in the sandwich technique where positive feedback is given, followed by suggestions, then with positive feedback.

Aside from prepared speeches, I have also benefitted from impromptu speaking opportunities through Table Topics. These sessions are a formal part of all toastmasters meetings and allows any member to complete a two minute speech on the fly.

On the leadership track I have blossomed tremendously over the years. I have served in many different roles within my club and at the District level. Those stints have enabled me to put my teambuilding and leadership skills to the test. Today, the experiences are bearing fruit in my professional life.

Unique Value Proposition

Toastmaster International has probably one of the greatest unique value propositions of any programme you will encounter.

Imagine, leadership and public speaking training that is set at your own pace and at a fraction of the cost of more formalized instruction. Thankfully, Jamaica has a network of Toastmasters clubs, most of which are community based and meet almost every day of the week.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Toastmasters experience is the speech contests, which are held twice a year, at every level. The international speech contest, extends from club competitions, all the way to the global level. The semi-final and final rounds are held at the annual Toastmasters International Convention.

Speech contests are an opportunity to either participate or just watch competitive speakers, battle it out on the stage.

This past summer was my second time attending a Toastmasters International Convention, having  attended the 2013 edition, held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

As always, the convention floor is a melting pot of members from all over the world! I have networked with numerous people from various regions across the world. Through our common interests and the shared Toastmasters programme there were never ending conversations.

The cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, provided the perfect backdrop to this year’s event. The city matched the eclectic mix of people and cultures present at the event.

Speak Easy

Today, I credit my improved speech flow, recall and vocal dexterity to my time as a Toastmaster!

When I speak, I am clear that I will be heard and I know how to command an audience’s attention. I can confidently say that I have no fear of public speaking. My ability to articulate off the cuff, has also gotten better.

As a lifelong learner, every toastmasters meeting and project I prepare for, teaches me something new.

Probably the greatest transformations I have seen are in some of my fellow toastmasters. Members who have joined clubs and blossomed into confident speakers and leaders. Persons, who before joining were afraid to address a small group of people, have gone on to enter speech contests.

The Toastmasters experience really works and watching others grow and flourish with their personal goals is truly inspiring.

Leave a comment and let me know more about the outlets you use to fulfill your life-long learning needs.

And remember, if you have post suggestions, let me know here

Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

Kevin