We don’t have to go far for inspiration…
it is at our very fingertips
if we are willing to look for it and recognize it.
Slowly but surely
bit by bit
I am finding mine…

My experience of starting my Youth Leadership program was nothing short of fantastic. I never thought I would be comfortable instructing a grade 8 class on anything on the elements of public speaking but I was immediately at ease with them. More so, I was *excited* to be there, working with them, and answering their questions. It is such a joy to be able to share one’s passion in a healthy, constructive, and mutually beneficial manner.

Purpose

This presentation, part of Toastmasters International’s Successful Club Series, will provide information on furthering your Toastmasters experience beyond the club level. There are many activities that provide continuing learning activities in between the meetings times of our club.

Toastmasters “Fitness”

The more we exercise, the more likely they are to improve. Therefore, using skills outside of our club is an important part of “Toastmasters fitness.” Every day provides a myriad of occasions to hone your skills – business situations, social interactions, personal relationships, etc. Greater participation means increased changes for learning.

Speech Contests

Although competition against other Toastmasters is prominent, the most important competition is always against one’s own abilities. Contests need the support and participation of all Toastmasters. Contests provide opportunities to hone your abilities, learn by observation, meet and network with other Toastmasters, and have fun!

Main Contest Roles

• Contestant
• Emcee
• Judge

Support Roles

• Counters
• Timers
• Sergeants at Arms
• Audience Members

Greater participation means increased chances for learning. When each member says “YES” to helping out, rather than leaving the responsibility to one or two people, all events will benefit. At first, taking on additional roles and responsibility may seem daunting, but soon the advantages of increasing involvement will become clear.

Leadership Opportunities

• Area level
• Division level – link between Area and District
• District level – Governor, Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, Marketing, Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer)
• Board of Directors
• Conferences – Seminars, Contests, Camaraderie

Looking to the Future

Where do we go from here? Many of us get into a routine of attending (most) meetings, but do we think of going beyond this? Start thinking OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Purpose

This presentation, part of Toastmasters International’s Successful Club Series, will provide information on giving effective speech evaluations that will benefit the speaker, as well as improving our club as a whole. The more effective we are at evaluating each other, the more we profit from the experience – even if we are not actually in the role of evaluator. While evaluators have the power to influence, they should never been given total credit or responsibility for a speaker’s future endeavours; they should be looked upon as a catalyst for change.

Benefits of Effective Evaluations

• Providing immediate feedback
• Offering methods for improvement
• Building and maintaining self-esteem

The “Tell and Sell” Approach

• Most common approach used in Toastmasters
• Evaluator does the speaking, while the speaker listens
• Main benefit is efficiency as they move smoothly and avoid digressing
• Benefit is that the speaker is able to give the evaluator their full attention
• Works best when the evaluator has more experience than the speaker

How to Evaluate Effectively

• Show that you are interested
  • Both positive aspects and challenges should be explored
  • Do not attempt to shift focus from speaker
• Consider the speaker’s objectives
  • Manual objectives: The book and the project #
  • Personal objectives: Filler words, other idioms
• Personalize your language
  • Use words such as “I believe” or “I suggest” rather than “You didn’t…”
  • Use the senses in evaluating – what you saw, heard, felt…
• Evaluate the speech, not the person
  • What the speaker *does*, not what they are
• Avoid whitewash
  • Know the speaker to know how critical is acceptable/beneficial
• Promote self esteem
  • “Sandwich” the criticism between praise

I am also intrigued by the idea of teaching English in a foreign country at some point in my life. Of course, this is a bit loftier than the options that are available currently at my fingertips – teaching yoga and/or Reiki. Sometimes the most obvious answers are the most difficult to see. As such, I need to concentrate on finishing my YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) before embarking on another journey. I need to be more focused on finishing the things I start, rather than excitedly jumping to the next/new project.