A couple of weeks ago I finally joined Toastmasters International ^[1]. I first heard about Toastmasters from Steve Pavlina ^[2], one of my favorite writers on the subject of personal development. Later I read that others such as Scott H Young ^[3] were also honing their public speaking skills with the help of Toastmasters.

I guess you could say it’s taken me a bit longer than I expected to become a member, but now that I’m in I’ve noticed a huge difference immediately. Before joining I used to say ‘I am afraid of Public Speaking’, and when I would go up in front of an audience I would feel my nerves and it would bother me. As soon as I joined something inside me clicked that says ‘No, I am not afraid…’ but I still feel my nerves. Only now I think of the nerves as a natural response of my body, and move forward without letting it hinder or paralyze me.

The Mission of Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.

Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of member clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.

I would say that not only is this mission statement ambitious, but it’s also well on it’s way to be realized.

Competent Communicator Manual

With entry into Toastmasters one is handed (or rather mailed) their very own manual for progressing from nothing to a competent communicator. It consists of 10 lessons, each one building upon the next.

1. The Ice Breaker.
2. Organize Your Speech.
3. Get the the Point.
4. How to Say It.
5. Your Body Speaks.
6. Vocal Variety.
7. Research Your Topic.
8. Get Comfortable with Visual Aids.
9. Persuade with Power.
10. Inspire Your Audience.

Upon completion of all 10 lessons you are able to choose your directions and pick up a number of advanced booklets. The interesting part about the booklets is that they come with instructions on how to evaluate the speaker. By following these instructions, anyone can be a good asset in helping you improve, even if they aren’t a master speaker themselves.

So far so good. I will keep you guys posted on my experienced with Toastmasters. If you are already a member of Toastmasters, please share the impact that toastmasters has had on your life, career, and self-esteem.

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