5 Reasons to Join A Local Toastmasters Club

Does the thought of public speaking stress you out? Do you sit in meetings wishing the leaders ran them more efficiently?  Have you heard about Toastmasters but you’re not really sure exactly what to expect?

I joined Toastmasters almost six years ago when I first left my corporate job to explore self-employment. I knew that improving my presentation skills would be a critical component to my success. I didn’t realize how useful Toastmasters would be until I got involved.

In addition to boosting my speaking confidence I learned how to run meetings, become a better listener and network more effectively. Based on my experience over the past 6 years, I share with you my top five reasons to join Toastmasters. It’s a whole lot more than speaking.

Run efficient meetings. Every week one club member fulfills the role of Toastmaster. The Toastmaster acts as the emcee for the night to ensure the meeting runs smoothly and on time. In between speakers they share short vignettes or thoughts based on what they heard. Lesson: This role allowed me to run efficient meetings when I took on leadership roles in various organizations.

Become a better listener. If you want to become a better communicator, learn how to listen. Each week our speakers are evaluated on their performance. Evaluators are tasked with listening and observing to notice both what the speaker did well and any potential areas of improvement. Lesson: As a result of my time in Toastmasters I make a concerted effort to listen and understand before I respond to others.

Give effective feedback. Toastmasters promotes the “Sandwich approach” to feedback – positive feedback – room for improvement – positive feedback. The evaluator starts and ends with positive reinforcement. Feedback, though challenging to give and receive, is a necessary part of growth. Lesson: Toastmasters offers me the chance to practice feedback and feel more comfortable giving and receiving it as a speaker or within a work environment.

Consistent Speaking Practice. Many people tell me they joined Toastmasters for a period of time and got what they needed. I believe that regardless of your speaking level you always have room to improve. I stick around for the consistent practice. For example, tonight I’m practicing a speech that I’ll present to a group of HR professionals next week. Lesson: Toastmasters is an opportunity to test my material, get feedback and revise before my official presentation.

Networking. Although not officially a networking group in the traditional sense of the word, Toastmasters offers wonderful networking opportunities with like-minded people. Not to mention the great practice you get for other networking activities you might engage in. Lesson: Toastmasters offers a great opportunity to practice my networking skills including small talk, introductions, handshakes and mentoring.

You don’t have to be a professional speaker or aspire to become one to join your local Toastmasters club. You do need the desire to improve your communication skills – at work or at home – and the commitment to make it happen.

Curious? The South Shore offers clubs in Quincy, Weymouth, Hanover and Kingston. You can learn more at www.toastmasters.org and search for a club near you.

I invite you to join my home club in Hanover on the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of each month at 6pm, 2036 Washington St, Hanover (Rockland Trust Corporate Offices) to learn more, with no obligation to join. You can learn more about the Hanover Toastmasters including location information at www.hanovertoastmasters.com.

Your turn: Are you a member of Toastmasters? How has it benefited you?