Toastmasters – Successful Public Speaking, Life Long Learning

At some point in your professional career you realize that the ability to communicate effectively is something you need help with. Your professional role will require you to stand and deliver an informative and perhaps persuasive presentation before a group of individuals – usually your customers. Although it might not be said directly to you, the possibilities of advancement and promotion will depend on your communication skills.

In my first job as an engineer I was fortunate to have many free “after-hours” or “before-hours” training courses offered or sponsored by my company’s HR department. One such training course was called Speechcraft – eight one-hour classes at a pace of one class per week. The moment had come. It was there in front of me. I signed up for the class.

There was no one “all knowing” instructor but rather it was a team effort. The Speechcraft course was being taught by several members of our company sponsored Toastmasters Club – the Early Birds. And yes this course was a before-hours course, starting at 7 AM, one hour before the start of a normal work day. So let’s stop and reflect: (1) I am not an early morning person. (2) I also believe many other employees are not early morning people. (3) The team of Early Bird Toastmasters was not getting paid to teach this course, why would they get up early? Let us just say we were all committed and determined.

I was determined to improve my communication skills. I thought at the time that taking eight sessions at the uncomfortable hour of 7 AM would properly vaccinate me in oral communications before large (or strange) groups and eliminate my fear of public speaking. The team of Toastmasters was committed. They were applying their acquired communication skills as instructors. Their role was to speak to inform.

The first two classes were filled with several presentations, given by the TM team, on the different technical and proper skills of effective communications. As students we had assignments. We were told that to complete the eight week course we would have to give two short speeches (4-6 minutes each) and two short evaluations. “So, who wants to give a speech next week?”

The first set of speeches and evaluations went amazingly well. In one hour, half of the class gave their 4 to 6 minute “Ice Breaker” speeches and the other half gave evaluations. It was the buddy system in action – next time the roles would be reversed.

It was interesting to listen to us all, the students, break ice by revealing something personal about their life. Most shared reasons for being in the Speechcraft class. Examples: (1) I want to go to the Town Meeting. I want to stand up and tell the town selectmen a thing or two. (2) I was a railroad engineer/conductor on the cog railroad that climbs Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. (3) My obituary – filled with many biographical facts, family, accomplishments, etc. Actually this was a very clever ice breaker. If he/she died delivering the speech, the family would have a ready made obit for the town newspaper.

The evaluations were given; each pointing out the good things and then something to work on or change. We were instructed to be supportive; to “Shine the light on the good parts and techniques”. Then to offer a suggestion – something to change or do differently and/or something that could be added.

Following his introduction by the Toastmaster (the emcee), one student made a slow and somewhat tentative approach to the lectern at the front of the room. He turned, faced the audience, grabbed onto the lectern with both hands, and proceeded to give his first speech. At first his lips moved but not a sound was heard. Then we heard his name. His knuckles were bright white – man and lectern were inseparable. His second sentence said that his boss made him do this and he couldn’t think of anything else to say. Then he let go of the lectern, mumbled something and returned to his seat. The audience applauded. The Toastmaster gave him words of encouragement. His evaluator now had a tough assignment but talked about courage and taking that first step towards confidence in public speaking.

Yes, you probably guessed it. When that same speaker gave his second speech he talked for his allotted time and then some. The supportive and encouraging environment of a Speechcraft class worked.

The process of Speechcraft does work. Students get to practice and grow before a supportive audience in a non-threatening environment. Nobody in our group lost their job nor damaged their professional image. We came together as strangers, worked together, and graduated as friends.

Actually, I flunked Speechcraft. That is, I failed to complete the requirements as I needed to give one more speech before I could receive my Speechcraft graduation certificate. Fortunately this became a defining moment for me. One of the Toastmasters came over to me and said “Come to our Toastmasters Club meeting. You can give that second speech there and we will award your certificate.” I said “okay, when?” He said “7 AM next Wednesday.” Right, it had to early for the Early Birds.

I attended my first Toastmasters meeting and once again I was treated to a warm and supportive environment. They weren’t crazy at 7 AM but definitely committed. I gave my speech, received my certificate, and was asked to join Toastmasters. That was 31 years ago and I am still a member today!

Toastmaster Clubs exist and meet in many corporations as their management sees the value of Toastmasters. Toastmaster Clubs also exist and meet in many large communities (most at a more reasonable evening hour). Anybody who wants to be an effective communicator, wants to be more comfortable and confident when speaking before large groups (beyond one on one) can seek out a Speechcraft program or a Toastmasters Club and join Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization. They provide the framework and the educational resources. The members take on the roles of both teacher and student. It is a Do It Yourself (DIY) type of program. It is self -paced. It is inexpensive and suitable for life long learning.

Future blogs will cover the frameworks and resources. Starting with the first basic manual with 10 speech projects. Each project focuses on a basic attribute of an effective and successful speech. After the basics we can explore the advanced communication manuals (12 manuals). Each manual deals with a different special situation, e.g. Speeches by Management, Public Relations, Sales, Technical Presentations, Entertaining and Humorous speaking, and more!