Interested In Becoming a Better Speaker? Leader? Get Toastmasters!

If you're serious about your career or about expanding opportunities for your business there's no better way than through speaking and demonstrating that you have leadership abilities. People take those who have these skill sets very seriously and gravitate towards them.

I was always one who was uncomfortable in giving talks. So, about 7 years ago, at the suggestion of a friend, I joined Toastmasters. It has proven to be an incredible "gift" in so many ways. I have met some great people. I have heard some phenomenal speeches. I've learned so much about myself and others. More importantly, not only have I become a better speaker, but a better leader of others both in meetings and elsewhere. I remain humble, however, as being part of such an organization makes you aware of how gifted some people truly are in both of these areas and how far there is to go for others including myself.

What prompted me to write this article this morning is that yesterday, our local Toastmasters Club, Rising Phoenix, in East Cobb, Georgia, was provided with a great overview by Lana McFarlane and Vicki Noethling of a new program that will be rolled out in May. Called Pathways, it looks like one of the most comprehensive training programs that I've seen in my 40+ year career in business. I know that I was wowed by what I saw, as were the others in the audience. I can't wait for it to go live and avail myself of all of the learning modules that are being offered.

I've been a strong advocate and ambassador for Toastmasters since joining it. I mention it in every talk that I give to people who are either job seekers or trying to take their businesses to the next table. What I saw yesterday has reaffirmed my ongoing commitment to the organization. I can't wait to share my thoughts with others during some of my upcoming talks starting tomorrow night to a number of job seekers at the Roswell United Methodist Church Job Networking meeting.

In closing, if you're serious about becoming a better speaker or leader, there's nothing more valuable than Toastmasters:

-It's very affordable.

-The time you commit and the progress you make is truly up to you.

-The networking opportunities are incredible. Toastmasters has 345,000 members globally from 142 countries and 15,900+ clubs.

-The ROI on the time and money spent in improving your career and business opportunities can't be beat.

So before the rush to join begins when people learn more about the Pathways program, I HIGHLY recommend that you give Toastmasters a try. It's as simple as going online to the Toastmasters International website and finding a club in your area. I would recommend that you give 2-3 clubs a try before deciding on what club is the best fit for you. I've greatly valued from the organization, and I know you will, too!