If you connect Toastmasters with public speaking, you’re on the right track; but a little behind the times. Today, the key words are:
Communication – large groups, small groups, one-to-one: Toastmasters helps you develop skills to communicate completely, concisely, and effectively
Leadership – moving forward requires leadership; leadership requires timely, focused communication. Toastmasters links speaking skills with practical leadership projects.
Career – communication and leadership skills developed at Toastmasters have, according to thousands of Toastmasters members, enhanced career and benefited employers.
Community – volunteerism is the glue that binds our communities. Strong communication skills honed while developing leadership experience – conducting meetings, giving presentations, building teams, achieving goals – will enhance community participation.
Speaking of participation – all participation at Toastmasters is voluntary. No one is required at any time, to speak, At Toastmasters, we provide a safe environment. You listen, you learn. Only when you are ready, you speak. Every other person in the room has been there; every person there wants you to do well; every person there will be prepared to tell you what you do well, and make concrete, specific suggestions, from their own experience, about what you could work on to improve.
PATHWAYS is a new program introduced by Toastmasters last year. It includes online learning, addresses current day situations such as presenting proposals, motivating others, managing online meetings, and allows greater tailoring to individual needs and interests. Like other Toastmasters programs, it is project based. You progress through the program at your own speed. Mentoring is an integral part of Toastmasters; a mentor is assigned to new members.
At our open house on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., you will observe a regular meeting in its’ entirety, with opportunities to ask questions and talk with members about their experience. It can be life-altering.
River Talkers Toastmasters meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m., at CO3, 724 King St., Bridgewater.
Submitted by River Talkers Toastmasters
