Before I joined Toastmasters 32 years ago at the insistence of my employer, I was horrible at public speaking. I did everything wrong every time. But 9 months after I became a toastmaster I was asked to make an announcement at church. My wife was worried I would continue my poor speaking habits. She had nothing to worry about. I made my announcement with clarity and confidence. She later told me she was proud of me, that I was actually good. Toastmasters had quick results.
I was once tagged to make an impromptu presentation of a technical subject in front of a room full of fellow CPA’s that I had just met that day. I took a deep breath, reminded myself I was a toastmaster and did the best I could. After the class, the instructor made it a point that he was impressed with my presentation. I did not miss the opportunity to tell him it was because of the Toastmaster program. Maybe we got a member out of that.
My very stressful job requires me to train clients on our company’s software one-on-one, in small groups, and in a classroom settings. Many clients do not want change. Stressed people do not learn. I have to put them at ease so they can learn and assure them that they made the right decision by going with our company. I have to make quick evaluations of people and environments all across the country. I cannot even begin to imagine me doing this type of work without the powerful Toastmasters program. I have recently started a newly created position at my company and I was asked to be the first consultant to try it out. I have never been very good at being a pioneer. I feel my Toastmaster training made me the obvious candidate. My success is critical in how this position is defined, what direction it will take and if it will be available for other consultants. Again, there is no way I would even consider the position without the Toastmaster training I’ve had over the years and continue today.
I stay in Toastmasters because I know I need to continue the practice. Even though I have continued my membership for 32 years, my job requirements caused me to start missing weekly meetings a several years ago. And it showed. I make it a point to attend every meeting I can because the plan works.
