Toastmasters International’s Post

Such a privilege to see my article on Belonging published by Toastmasters International this month! I absolutely believe in the power of building belonging. It’s vital both at work and in Toastmasters. I hope you enjoy these 7 keys which are adapted from my book Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams. Which ones do you already do well? Which could you work on? #belonging #toastmasters #grateful

Practical Tips I learned from my volunteer experience about leading by example and walking the talk: Practical Tip #1: Be Present and Involved Practical Tip #2: Consistency is Key Practical Tip #3: Encourage Open Communication Yes, it is that easy to lead by example.

Last year, I rejoined Toastmasters, and it has re-centered my perspective! It’s not just the speeches; it’s the Table Topics that continue to sharpen my edge. Quick, impromptu speaking that trains you to think on your feet—exactly what you need when HR throws you a curveball. Beyond practice in quick thinking, Toastmasters has opened doors to networking opportunities. Rejoining the Manhattan, KS group, in particular, has widened my professional circle. I'm not only refining essential skills like conflict resolution and team engagement but also significantly growing my professional community. Toastmasters has become my secret weapon, not only in HR but in nearly every aspect of life, enriching my ability to communicate, lead, and navigate the complex interpersonal dynamics life has to offer. And while the Manhattan, KS, group has been a fantastic hub for growth and connection, the truth is, Toastmasters anywhere opens doors to these incredible benefits. Whether you’re in Manhattan, KS, or looking to connect virtually, if you’re aiming to level up your professional skills and expand your network, Toastmasters is the key. It’s not just a club; it’s a significant part of my HR toolkit and journey. Check out a Toastmasters club near you. https://lnkd.in/gs5JbJcA #Toastmasters #HRLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking

Absolutely loving this journey of upskilling in networking,communication and leadership development.

When you don't see what you want, create it! right? 🌱 Creating IT was exactly what I did when I was looking to build my public speaking muscle circa 2015. 💡My search introduced me to Toastmasters in 2016. Checked out a few Clubs, each one had its own style and culture. I remember there was one with a dancing theme and another was a poets circle. It was cool. But I didn't find one for me. I didn't want to boogie before a meeting & my poem muse wasn't the most reliable. What I wanted? ✅ An environment similar to a corporate work setting (but no suits, a nice pair of jeans is best!) ✅ Be among others who wanted to build their public speaking, communication, and interpersonal skills in a similar environment ✅ An open club, so that anyone who's committed to similar outcomes can join ✅ A meeting location where I frequent and also center-point to other AAPI professionals I didn't know what I was doing. What I knew? Get like-minded people together and practice public speaking. I found some information online about how to form a Club, asked for help from some good people at AAPA org, and started building. It took 10 months to charter! 7+ years later, the Toastmasters Chapter I founded with some good people is active AND continues to serve AAPI professionals in the Los Angeles Areas! Want to buff up your communication & presentation skills? Check out the Club at https://lnkd.in/guXc5fAn. #professionaldevelopment #growth #career #leadership #community

🌟 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛! 🌟 This week at First Impressions Toastmasters, we celebrated stories of personal milestones and growth that highlight the unique journey of our members. 📅❄️ 🎉 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬: Our Toastmaster of the week shared his engaging experiences from "My Winter Break" and celebrated a milestone 21st birthday! 🎂 We wish him a year filled with joy, success, and countless blessings. At Toastmasters, we not only share knowledge but also life's special moments, enhancing our bond and fostering a supportive community. 🗣️ 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: During our meetings, members share everything from holiday stories to insightful presentations, boosting both confidence and communication skills. Plus, organizing and leading these meetings further hone leadership abilities. 🚀 🎙️ 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: A new member delivered his "Icebreaker" speech titled "Evolution," sharing personal stories, hobbies, and even his cooking skills! This exemplifies the supportive nature of Toastmasters, encouraging new members to step up, share, and grow. 🍳📚 🏥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: Another compelling speech titled "Manage My Health" highlighted the importance of vigilance in digital health management. After discovering a mix-up with his health records, our speaker advocated for awareness and proactive management of one's health information. 📲💊 💬 𝐖𝐞'𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮! Remember your first speech or a significant learning moment? Share your story in the comments below and inspire others who are just starting their public speaking journey. 👥 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰! Interested in enhancing your public speaking and leadership skills? Visit First Impressions Toastmasters Club. Discover how our supportive community can help you succeed both personally and professionally. #Toastmasters #Leadership #PublicSpeaking #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #FirstImpressionsToastmasters #PersonalDevelopment #Storytelling

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My Toastmasters Journey: From Beginner to Table Topics Contest Winner Joining Toastmasters: 1. Joined #WOW District 125 Toastmasters Club to put more focus on public speaking and leadership skills. 2. Delivered my Icebreaker speech, introducing myself to the club. Building Skills Regular Participation: 1. Attended weekly meetings consistently, taking on various roles (e.g., Timer, Ah-Counter, Grammarian). 2. Delivered prepared speeches from the Toastmasters pathways program, focusing on different communication competencies. Table Topics Practice: 1. Participated in Table Topics sessions regularly to enhance impromptu speaking skills. Learning from Evaluations: 1. Actively listened to evaluations of my speeches and table topics, implementing the feedback in subsequent speeches. Competing in Table Topics First Table Topics Contest: 1. Entered my first club-level Table Topics contest with excitement and nervousness. 2. Delivered a spontaneous 1-2 minute speech on an unknown topic. 3. Placed second, gaining valuable experience and motivation to improve. Improving Through Practice: 1. Continued practicing Table Topics at meetings, focusing on structure and clarity. 2. Worked on developing a confident stage presence and engaging delivery style. Winning the Contest Preparation for the Next Contest: 1. Prepared mentally for the next Table Topics contest by visualizing success and staying calm. 2. Attended workshops and practice sessions focused on impromptu speaking. The Contest Day: 1. Participated in the area-level Table Topics contest. 2. Received a challenging prompt but remained composed and delivered a structured and impactful response. 3. Won first place, advancing to the next level of competition. Personal Growth: 1. Gained immense confidence in public speaking and impromptu speaking. Improved critical thinking, quick decision-making, and storytelling abilities. Community and Support: 1. Built strong relationships with fellow Toastmasters who provided support and encouragement. 2. Inspired by the diverse experiences and stories shared by other members. Future Goals: 3. Aim to mentor new Toastmasters and help them achieve their speaking goals. Continue participating in contests and strive for excellence in public speaking and leadership. Conclusion Toastmasters Impact: 1. The skills and experiences gained are invaluable, extending beyond Toastmasters into professional and personal life. Encouragement to Others: 1. Encourage everyone interested in improving their communication skills to join Toastmasters. 2. Emphasize the importance of persistence, practice, and embracing challenges in achieving success. #D125 #Toasmasters100Years #WhereLeadersAreMade #Leadership #Dedication #Distinguished #RiseWithCommitment #Consistency #WondersOfWomen Toastmasters International

Do you know how to use the very powerful speaking tool- the pause? ⏱️ "If silence is golden, pausing is a golden ticket, because it activates silence as a powerful tool for all communicators, whether they’re giving a convention speech to hundreds or sharing ideas with a small team." Today I gave a speech during our Toastmasters meeting which brings me closer to completing Level 3 in my Team Collaboration Pathway! 🎉 This article by Toastmasters International shares helpful tips of how to use a pause in effective communication. I found this helpful and I hope you do too! If you are interested in joining a Toastmasters meeting to see what it is all about, please reach out!