SPEAK with JOY

People ACT  if they are really CLEAR about their vision and mission. They don't, if they are fearful, or do not know what their true values and priorities are.

I have been a member of Toastmasters International for seven years.  I am relatively comfortable taking the stage and giving a speech. More importantly, I can share my stories: how I struggled and eventually got the results I desired - desires that you, too, would probably like to satisfy.

Toastmaster training can help you satisfy those desires. The proviso for success being you need to be vividly clear as to you purpose. 

People are often confused by the name “Toastmasters.” Some may think it's about learning how to present toasts at events. Others think that the Toastmaster environment is only for building speaking skills. Toastmasters does far more than that. Participation in Toastmasters brings benefits in many aspects: career- leadership, business organizational skills and more..

Today, you can find resource materials from the Internet. You can get advice from friends.  However, I believe that theoretical educational material alone is not enough.  We need to PRACTICE if our skills are to become reality.

In order to be successful you must PRACTICE. In workplaces, budgets for Training and Professional Development costs a lot. In  most cases employers do not want to spend a lot of money on their staff. 

Toastmaster Programs cover Communication skills, Leadership, Time Management Organizing, and much more. All of these are applicable in both our personal and professional lives . All members have the opportunity to learn to prepare and deliver prepared speeches. Also they learn how to do impromptu speeches, evaluation skills, keeping to time, how to conduct meetings, etc.  The Toastmaster environment is a “gym” for Leadership + Communications. We have to build muscles often and regularly if we want to improve.

My Story and Why I want to DO it!

I decided to join Toastmasters to inspire my daughter. It was not easy for me when I started my Toastmaster Journey as a non-native English speaker.  I found that some people will HELP you. Some people will IGNORE you. Thank Goodness Toastmaster members fall into the former category.

Still, I always thank all those people who lifted  me up or put me down regardless of their intentions, whether  GOOD or BAD. My purpose is to help myself and  others. There were lessons in it all.

After 365 days, I significantly reduced any fears around public speaking. Attending every meeting, and rehearsing speech presentations frequently, gave me increased confidence, and  belief and trust in people. After 2190 days I am now quietly confident I can help people, thanks to my Mentors.

Scariness passes

A lot of people think public speaking is very scary,. One of my friends asked me, "Are you scared when you speak in front of an audience."  I replied "I feel very excited and rewarded. I get a chance to talk about my values, how I live everyday life". Life is not about competition.  

Imagine: This is International Contest. You have to follow all contest rules, e.g..  In a speaking contest, if you speak 4 1/2 minutes or less you are disqualified.  The're a lot of pressure like an exam situation; judges watching with checklists, and a lot people's eyes on you.

Every time I enter a contest, I dedicate it to my mother. I do this because my mother always gave me inspiration when I was feeling down.   "NEVER Give up son", she would tell me.

Today, I feel grateful. I keep believing. I keep bringing my joy. I keep  sharing the experience of my  journey; helping other people to succeed in their journeys.

  How I joyfully help Toastmasters

First, I show up to every meeting with positive energy. A lot of guests come into our club. They are not 100% sure whether they should join. They are uncertain and watch other speakers talking.

 Many of the guests say:  "Yeah I will come back. But I have other commitments too." Often they are not clear about what is in the Toastmaster program. They're after certainty.

Here is what I do when visitors are not sure whether they should join.  I ask indirect questions.  I share my story and how I escaped  from my own fear. Then: -

NO SECRETS. It is all about the 3C's (COMMITMENT + CONSISTENT + CONTINUOUS LEARNING).

I advise them of the benefits they'll be missing out on for the next one to five years if they don't join. I keep encouraging their strengths and point out  the massive benefits they will gain.  I share success stories.

 Some people may think they are too old, or they are  not good enough. People from non-English speaking backgrounds may believe it will be too hard for them. However, once they start feeling they can speak and take on roles and are getting results in their personal and professional lives, they stay

 All about LOVE. Here are my 7 tips

 Tip 1. Understand and Listen to their Story

Tip 2. Bring joy with positive emotion

Tip 3. Honour their struggle

Tip 4. Appreciate their attending

Tip 5. Tactfully Tell the truth.

Tip 6. Encourage members'  progress by highlighting their strengths

Tip 7. Become a fun-friendly family.

Phil WIN – Secretary,CC, CL (2019-2020) -  Lidcombe Toastmasters, Sydney, Australia.