TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

Tick Talk Toastmasters Club is a new member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. This is quite remarkable since we are a microcosm of a huge, world wide, non-profit, educational organization. Our club is pro-active and seized the opportunity to join the Chamber when one of our members, Debra Simpson, also a Chamber member, presented us with the challenge to get out of our comfort zone and spread the word about Toastmasters, Tick Talk Toastmasters in particular.

HOW We Do It!

We believe we can help business owners and their sales staffs reach new heights and more business by taking advantage of what Toastmasters has to offer: the opportunity, in a safe, professional environment, to learn how to communicate effectively, before an audience of peers, who will then give positive feedback on how well the presentation was given, as well as concrete suggestions as to where and how the individual can improve. This is invaluable feedback and gives the individual an opportunity to grow, gain confidence, and avoid the same mistakes repeatedly.

A great tool and benefit of a Toastmasters meeting is that everything is timed, thus members learn to give a verbal presentation in a specific time frame. They also learn how to put a speech/presentation together so that it embodies the techniques of good public speaking: an Opening, Body, and a Close, followed by delivery, vocal variety, and gestures.

Getting Your Feet Wet

Newcomers are encouraged to participate in “Table Topics” and practice the fine art of impromptu speaking! Before long, their confidence soars and they are ready to give their “Icebreaker” speech, thus introducing themselves, their company, their goals and objectives to the Club.

A Grammarian and an Ah Counter give reports at the end of each meeting so that members can learn where they need to pay attention, and how well they express themselves (grammatically).

Members are never left floundering for ideas or feedback. They receive a speech manual from Toastmasters International outlining their first ten speeches, with topic suggestions, delivery, and specific objectives for each speech. An evaluator is assigned to give instant, positive, feedback on each speech given. Once the ten speeches are completed they receive a badge from TI with their new designation “Competent Communicator.”

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPEECHCRAFT

Tick Talk Toastmasters is having a 6 week “SPEECHCRAFT” open to the public, starting in January. You’re invited! It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how Toastmasters works, and how it can enhance your speaking, listening, writing and leadership skills! Yes, Toastmasters is more than just smacking your lips together and hoping something .
worthwhile comes out! We also have most professions represented: lawyers, chiropractors, therapists, teachers, etc. … those people who must address clients, students, etc.

Tick Talk Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at Carlsbad-by-the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd. For more information: www.toastmasters.org. Our website is www.ticktalk.org. Our President, Doug Britton can be reached at: (619) 571-2263, or, info@ticktalk.org.

To Recap

When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. It is among the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.

I look forward to meeting and greeting you at our next meeting!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.