Many people ask me, “Enias you have been attending Toastmasters for more than 5 years, have you not learnt the art of public speaking yet? Why are you still attending Toastmasters meetings?”
Indeed, I have mastered the art of public speaking and can present proficient speeches. However, when I joined Toastmasters I didn`t know that there were a plethora of skills that you learn over and above public speaking. These additional skills are the reason why I continuously renew my membership and why I am a Distiguished Toastmaster today.
Here are the 3 main reasons why I keep renewing my membership:
1. Honing Leadership Skills
Toastmasters has exposed me to different leadership positions that have unlocked the latent leader in me. I got an opportunity to lead our club Mariswe Toastmasters as a President and rose to lead an area made up of 5 clubs as an Area Director. During my tenure, I managed to craft a vision, mission, strategy and a plan which are all the critical ingredients for leadership. There are more leadership opportunities that I am exploring on my continued grow as a leader. Toastmasters is indeed “Where Leaders Are Made”
2. Training Skills
Toastmasters has given me an opportunity to transition from being a speaker to a trainer. I attended a full day workshop where I learnt the key facets of training. I am certified as a TLI Trainer and have trained club officers to perform in their respective club roles.
3. Networking Skills
Toastmasters has enabled me to build an excellent network of people that have helped me to boost my career, business and social life. The relationships that I have built in Toastmasters are long lasting and authentic. There is always a constant cross pollination of ideas and encouragement.
Without Toastmasters I would not have been able to build these life changing skills. Toastmasters is now the way of life; I am now an ardent Toastmaster. If you want to change your life, join Toastmasters. You won’t regret it.