Monday, June 4, 2012

Sharmini - Toastmasters provides healthy environment for self growth!


As I planned on introducing group coaching as part of my life coaching services, I thought it was a good idea to brush up on my public speaking skills and did a Google search on Toastmasters clubs in the region. I picked out Bangsar Toastmasters Club as I live in Kajang, and the club was close to public transport amenities. I sent an email of inquiry to Lucky and was pleased to get a very prompt and welcoming reply on the same day!

From the first meeting that I attended, I realized that Bangsar Toastmasters Club was a nice blend of quality and congeniality. The members are friendly, warm and often witty. And amongst them are many very good speakers. Though I was soon to realize that I had a hitherto unknown fear of public speaking (the increased heartbeats and shortness of breath before I delivered a speech attested to this...), my fellow Toastmasters were very encouraging and helped with many suggestions to help me overcome this.

The good thing about Bangsar Toastmasters Club is that the members are serious about improving their public speaking skills and helping their fellow Toastmasters do the same; and they do so in an atmosphere of encouragement, genuine constructive feedback and fun! The tagline ‘Where Leaders Are Made’ is very clear to see here as everyone is encouraged to hone their self-leadership skills

As I was to leave for India in a few months, the seniors of the club – my mentor, Lakhmichand (Lucky), President, Lourdes and VP for Education, Ranjit made it possible for me to deliver all of my first 10 speeches in just 3 months!! (2 of my speeches were delivered at the Advanced Toastmasters Club – another good club with friendly members).

Joining Toastmasters has been one of the best decisions I’ve made recently.  Being a life coach, I can appreciate the healthy environment for self growth that Toastmasters provides. I look forward to hearing and delivering more speeches at the club and encourage folks to join a Toastmasters Club near you. You’ve got a lot to gain – not just improved leadership and speaking skills but the bonus of learning from able mentors and cultivating new friendships as well.