Lincoln-Way Toastmasters Members Celebrate Milestones

Pictured above from left to right, are Larry Josephson and John Schultz. Both are members of Lincoln-Way Toastmasters and recently obtained educational milestones in public speaking.

Toastmasters is a non-profit, international organization that helps people overcome their fear of public speaking and at the same time develop leadership skills. Lincoln-Way Toastmasters is the local chapter that meets in Frankfort. Larry and John joined Toastmasters basically for the same reason; they felt uncomfortable speaking in front of a group.

Larry joined Toastmasters about 6 years ago. At that time, he was a math teacher. He thought he could be a better instructor and public speaker utilizing Toastmasters’ educational program. He was pleasantly surprised that he got better. In fact, last year Larry reached the highest educational level at Toastmasters. He has since retired from teaching; however, his speaking and leadership skills have grown enormously. He is a Toastmasters’ Division Director where he helps other clubs execute their mandates.

John joined Toastmasters almost 4 years ago. He is a store manager for a major pharmaceutical company. Before Toastmasters, if John was asked a question in a group setting, he could not give a clear answer. He avoided running meetings. He viewed himself as below average in his one-on-one communication with co-workers. After joining Toastmasters, in about a year’s time, a lot of his weaknesses started to change. In a group setting, his answers to questions became clear and concise, he loves to run meetings and his one-on-one communication with co-workers is a lot better.

Both Larry and John agree that Toastmasters helps its members in more ways than just public speaking. When you join Toastmasters, the club members make the difference. The members become another set of friends who are supporting and enabling you to do what you could not do before.

In the near future, consider attending a Toastmasters’ meeting. Lincoln-Way Toastmasters meets the first and third Thursdays of each month, 7:30 PM, at Frankfort Village Hall, located 432 W Nebraska St. Attendance is completely free. You are under no obligation to join. Anyone 18 years or older can join. Membership dues are very nominal. If you would like more information, please go to our website: https://lincolnwaytoastmasters.com/ or call 708-769-7506. You can also follow us on Facebook or Meetup!