Every problem has a solution, isn't it? "Well, if you are jittery to speak in front of a large audience then we have a solution," says one of the members of the Toastmasters International.

Have you ever heard about Toastmasters International? The Bangalorebest team visited one of the toastmaster clubs in Bangalore called the Sunshine Toastmasters and learnt all about the unique club and its activities.

The history of Toastmasters goes thus ...

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors elected by the members. Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively, established the first Toastmasters Club on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California. Thereafter, more clubs were formed and Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932.

There are orators who can give long speeches without having to refer to the written speech. How do they remember the entire speech? Mr. Kadri who won the International Tape Speech Contest says, "There is nothing to remember. If you are honest and speak what ever you want to with sincerity and conviction then there is nothing to remember."

The best way to learn is by doing it and that's how The Toastmasters work. Youl start speaking and just get better and better with practice. The Toastmasters programme is not a formal course in public speaking. It is an ongoing series of speaking experiences that will directly involve you in a variety of communication situations.

"Start with a positive image of yourself in front of the crowd. Think: 'What if the audience really ENJOYS what I say?' rather than 'What if I fail?' Look happy and self-assured. If you don't feel that way, pretend you do. As Shakespeare said, 'Assume a virtue if you have it not,' " says Mr. Kumaran, who won the second place in the International Tape Speech Contest this year.

What happens at the meetings?

The Toastmasters experience takes place in a club. A typical Toastmasters Club is made up of 20-30 people who gather regularly (usually once a week). Some clubs meet in the morning, others at noon or in the evening. Meetings usually comprise of the following activities:
1) Prepared speeches based on projects from the Communication and Leadership manuals, from several of the Club members.
2) An educational session, often by an experienced member of another club, on some aspect of speaking, listening, or leadership.
3) A Table Topics session, giving members the opportunity to participate in impromptu speech situations.
4) An evaluation session, during which each speaker is provided with valuable feedback regarding the strengths of the speech and provided with information that will assist the speaker to improve.
5) A critique of the evaluations and of the meeting as a whole, by a general evaluator.
6) Sometimes a short business session, which gives members a chance to practice parliamentary procedure.
7) Besides speaking, each member will also have the opportunity to serve as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Evaluator, and General Evaluator. Each assignment is rotated among members to provide a variety of experience.

How does The Toastmaster Programme work?

The Toastmasters programme exposes each participant to a wide range of communication experiences. Each new Toastmaster receives a New Member Kit. The kit features a copy of the basic Communication and Leadership manual, general orientation materials and information regarding skill improvement in areas such as speech evaluation and the use of gestures.
The initial prepared speeches, as outlined in the basic Communication and Leadership programme manual, are designed with the novice speaker in mind.
A variety of assigned speeches help a participant develop competency in areas such as organization, voice inflection and persuasiveness.
During a meeting's Table Topics session, members learn to think on their feet by delivering short impromptu speeches, lasting for one to two minutes.
After giving a prepared speech, each Toastmaster receives a constructive speech evaluation. This process recognizes speakers for their strengths and provides valuable insight into their problem areas.
Upon completion of the basic Communication and Leadership programme, Toastmasters may participate in the Advanced Communication and Leadership programme. Participants may choose from specific business oriented topics such as Speeches by Management and Technical Presentations.

Workshop style Success/Leadership programmes are also available, offering opportunities for further skill development in areas such as leadership, public speaking and conducting business meetings. These programmes are especially effective as in-house training and can be tailored to meet the needs of a company.

How can you benefit through the Toastmaster?

When you present a speech:

• You learn to put your thoughts and arguments together in a way that will be effective for the listener.
• You learn to deliver an effective speech, which catches and keeps the audience's attention.
• You learn how to appear confident and relaxed.
• You are evaluated (not criticised) in a friendly environment so you can learn what you do well and how to improve your speeches.

When you evaluate a speech:

• You learn to listen carefully.
• You learn to accentuate the positive.
• You learn how to help others improve in a positive manner.
• You learn skills for day-to-day interaction with others.

When you deliver an impromptu speech:

• You learn to think on your feet.
• You learn to present logical arguments.
• You learn skills essential for job interviews.

Whether you're a professional, student, stay-at-home parent, or retiree, Toastmasters is the best way to improve your communication skills. Toastmasters can help you lose the fear of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you've chosen. You end up being not only a great orator but also a good listener. You'll easily lead teams and conduct meetings. You'll comfortably give and receive constructive evaluation.

Bangalore's Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College (BBM) has started two clubs and has made it a compulsory subject. Even corporates like Wipro, Infosys and Talisma have in house Toastmaster clubs. There are about 14 clubs in Bangalore and the movement is growing rapidly.

The mission of any Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills. These skills in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. What else do we need?

What are you waiting for? Contact the Toastmaster Clubs in Bangalore to improve yourself. For further information contact Mr. Kadri at 3353191 / 3304894.

Deepa

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