Special thanks to Patricia Nelson, DTM, Edmonton, AB for allowing Midland to use information from her web page which is full of good info on Toastmasters Benefits.
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How do you measure up when you ask these questions? You probably find yourself a bit apprehensive about speaking in public. You're in good company.
In a recent survey, almost one half of the people questioned listed speaking in public as their number one fear, outranking fear of death by a two-to-one margin!
"I've never met anyone who joined who didn't think it was super valuable to their career. The skills we learn by overcoming our terror of speaking in public carry over to every word we utter. We gain self esteem, self confidence, assertiveness. This makes us better salespeople, better managers, better leaders... and stand-out job candidates. Anyone who joins Toastmasters for a year and doesn't feel the experience was worthwhile, can write to me and I will return your money". (from Harvey Mackay, author of Swim with the Sharks and Sharkproof speaking about his personal experience with Toastmasters International.)
The Toastmasters program can teach you how to express your thoughts, ideas and opinions and develop your leadership potential. It does this through an enjoyable yet thoroughly professional education program.
Toastmasters International is an international organization dedicated to helping people develop their communication skills. It is much more than learning to "give speeches".
Ease - The Toastmasters International program isn't just for people who want to polish or develop their presentation skills. Many people who are uncomfortable or even terrified of speaking in a group or to a group join to learn how to conquer their nervousness. Within a short time, these individuals become not only comfortable but accomplished speakers who can communicate, motivate, inspire and entertain!
Confidence - Through the Toastmasters Program you will enhance your ability to express your ideas in formal and informal settings. Your self confidence will increase as a result.
Effective Communicator - You will learn the art of how to "think on your feet" (impromptu speaking) and your listening and thinking skills will also be expanded as a result of the program. You will gain experience in delivering effective, supportive feedback and how to conduct meetings.
Leadership, Training, Facilitation - As you develop your arsenal of skills, you will have the opportunity to mentor others, and assume a leadership role in your club or other areas of the Toastmasters administration. If you are interested in developing abilities as a trainer, opportunities to develop in this area are also available.
" Speech is
power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel"
(from
Ralph Waldo Emerson)