Joining Toastmasters was one of the best decisions I have ever made and it has had a very positive impact on my life. Almost everyone can benefit from joining Toastmasters. After being stay-at-home mom for few years, I wanted to get out into the professional world, talk to like-minded people and launch my career. Toastmasters was the best solution. Whether you are trying to present your point of view, impress your boss, motivate others, collaborate with people inside and outside the organization, improve your personal growth, Toastmasters has it all.
Being a Technical Writer, I write about a particular subject that requires direction, instruction or explanation. It’s about an efficient and clear way of explaining something and how it works. I have seen Technical writers efficient enough to write the instructions in the form of manual or help file but they are not comfortable standing in front of an audience to give presentations, explain concepts and deliver speeches of any kind. They are nervous to give trainings, speeches or presentations and want to avoid the discomfort for as long as possible.
If you are nervous and afraid of public speaking, Toastmasters might be just what you need. It not only helps you become a better speaker and a better communicator, but it also brings opportunities to improve our leadership skills and personal growth.
Each project in Toastmasters has its own individual focus or objective, for example listening, planning, motivating, and organizing. Every project builds upon what you have learned in the preceding project. As you complete them, you’ll learn the importance of the many components that go into compiling a great speech and eventually make you a better leader.
Each time I give a speech, I improve, gain more confidence and learn something new. In every meeting, I get a chance to get involved as a leader, to be a part of a team and to add value to others’ lives.