Better Speakers, Better Leaders, Better Communicators

I've just completed a term as president of my local Toastmasters club, Gateway to Speaking Excellence. During my year in office, the theme of the club was the same as the title of this blog post. When asked to describe Toastmasters, I say something like this:  “Toastmasters is a safe-to-succeed, safe-to-fail environment in which we practice becoming better speakers, better leaders, and better communicators every single day.”

Wondering about the cheesy name?
The organization started in 1924, a time when toasting and after dinner speeches was more prevalent than PowerPoint presentations. Over the years, the goals have expanded from simple speaking skills to include leadership skills as well.

There are typically two types of individuals that join Toastmasters: those that are terrified of speaking and taking leadership roles; and those that would like to sharpen those same skills. Toastmasters alumni include governors, game show hosts, management consultants, heads of large corporations, beauty pageant winners, motivational speakers, and entrepreneurs. The alumni list also includes terrified beginners, mid-career managers learning to present at an executive level, individuals learning to speak in a non-native language, and sales professionals working out the kinks in their sales presentations.

The cost to you is mostly the investment of time in your own personal development. The dollar investment is very low: usually less than the cost of one dinner each month. The time investment is like many other things you choose to prioritize in that you will get out what you put into it.

From the Toastmasters site:

• Here's the link to find a club near you


• Here's What Toastmasters Can Do For You

So back to my local club.  We finished the Toastmasters year (June 30th) as President's Distinguished Club, the highest designation.  I also achieved a personal goal of Advanced Communicator Bronze by year end.  And yes, there is a silver and a gold. :)

-Bryan