Why does Toastmasters’ Program Work?
I joined a local Toastmasters club about a year-and-a-half ago in an effort to learn how to become a better public speaker. I have to say that I have been very impressed with BOTH of the education programs that Toastmasters offers. Most people know about the program to help members become better public speakers. However, most people don’t seem to be aware of the Leadership program as well. I’ll address the Leadership program in another blog posting…
The Communication Education Program works so well because it starts with the basics and builds on each speech after that. The first speech is called the “Ice Breaker” and the idea is to introduce the new member to the club. What does a speaker know more about than themselves after all?
I’ve heard experienced Toastmasters say that if a new member gets up in front of the group and tells them a bit about themselves, then the Ice Breaker is a complete success! I agree. The first barrier to overcome is the fear of the unknown. The unknowns in an Ice Breaker situation are how the members will react to the new member, and how the new member will make it through the 4-6 minutes. Once they see that green card signal that they have made the minimum 4 minutes they can stop talking and sit down and be considered a success. This does not apply to all speeches given in Toastmasters however…
Every Toastmaster gets an applause for giving a speech!
Each successive speech adds to the member’s experience level, arsenal of speaking techniques, and most importantly, adds to the member’s confidence level and expertise as a speaker. I’ve given 10 speeches at Toastmasters meetings and have seen a vast improvement in my presentation skills. Do I consider myself an expert yet? NO! I still have a long way to go, but Toastmasters provides a good course of action that can help me get to where I want to go.
Here’s an overview of both Toastmasters Education Programs >>>
Tomorrow – Building on the Ice Breaker…
Image Credits:
1. Cartoon found on The Top 10 Ways to Feel Confident About Public Speaking using Google Images.
2. Photo found on Salt Lake Toastmasters using Google Images.
Nice post Catherine! Toastmasters is a wonderful program and I’ve grown a lot in both tracks – public speaking and leadership. As Darren LaCroix likes to say, it all comes down to “Stage Time, Stage Time, Stage Time!”
I agree, stage time is important. It’s just as important to be willing to take on meeting roles and club projects. Each effort moves someone along the course. I don’t understand members who just sit there quietly and don’t volunteer for anything.