Tuesday, August 9, 2011

What is Toastmasters really about?

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 8/8/2011
 
I was talking with a colleague this week about an upcoming presentation. He confided that he was not a confident public speaker. I quickly pivoted the discussion inviting him to join the Culpeper Toastmasters Club. He confided again that he had joined a few years ago in another area and that he had not completed the first Competent Communicator series of 10 beginner speeches. Naturally I went into full recruiting mode for upcoming meetings in Culpeper. Still there was a silent reluctance. Unfortunately, this is a common fear that is very easy to solve.

I also find that many do not understand what “Toastmasters” is all about.  I was discussing this with some of our Chamber Young Professionals Group at lunch recently. They were uncertain about “Toastmasters” and what it is all about. I take for granted that Toastmasters is synonymous with “Public Speaking” training and education. Somewhere along the way I just knew that Toastmasters was the place to gain public speaking skills. There is a misconception that Toastmasters has something to do with making a “Toast” at a wedding or a retirement party. The name certainly leads us to this perception.

According to Wikipedia - “Toastmaster is a general term, prevalent in the United States in the middle 20th century, referring to a person in charge of the proceedings of a public speaking event. The toastmaster is typically charged with organization of the event, arranging the order of speakers, introducing one or more of the speakers, and keeping the event on schedule.”  We do not commonly use this term today and thus there is a generational misperception about the organizational purpose.
Toastmasters International has recognized this in developing the 2010 strategic plan. Objective #2 in the plan included the following:

EDUCATION PROGRAMS - Toastmasters’ programs provide invaluable opportunities for achievement in a consistently structured, high-quality, supportive environment. Improving awareness that Toastmasters is the solution to developing leadership and communication skills is a strategic initiative. 

Local chapters of the Toastmasters vary in size and yet they are very consistent in their focus on support for developing public speaking skills. I have written in earlier articles that public speaking is analogous to sports. Both require training and practice. It is that simple. The local chapter is like joining a sports team. Everyone is there to learn and improve their game. They are on the same team. Show up for a game (speech) without being in practice for a few months and your pitch may not be in the strike zone as often. Why not walk in with the confidence of a pro?

The Culpeper Toastmasters Club has moved its meeting location and are now meeting at the Culpeper Library. The next meeting is August 16th from 7 PM – 8 PM. Meetings are prompt and only one hour by design. The Culpeper Team is very supportive and a great place to begin and or improve your game. Go to Culpeper.FreeToastHost.com for more club and meeting information.

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