Toastmasters often look for additional speaking and leadership opportunities outside of their club in order to complete an educational award in either the traditional or the Pathways program.
A few of our District leaders shared their ideas and inspiration.
Janette Alexander, DTM advised, “We’re starting an advanced club in Randolph, NJ. We need speakers. We meet the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6:30- 8pm. Because we are not chartered yet, you would give the credit for speeches completed to your home club. If you are looking for places, we have a place for you.”
Michelle Tropper, DTM shared, “Consider training events for the educational modules in the Traditional program. They are required. That’s a great venue for that.”
She continued, “Come to the Hail and Farewell event on July 27 at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Bridgewater, NJ. It takes place from 11 am-3pm. Consider presenting a toast or a roast and get speech credit.
This is a great opportunity that many people don’t even think about.”
Consider the Special Occasion Speeches manual in the traditional education program or one of the speeches in the Pathways Level 3 project, “Deliver Social Speeches.” Always think, “Is this an event where I can present? You’re going there anyway. Why not make it worth your while? Make yourself part of the program.”
Michelle also recommends, for Area and Division contests, call around to clubs near you or have the leaders send you an email. Speakers and role holders are always needed.
Always be ready, have a speech in your pocket and have your evaluation forms from your traditional manual or Pathways resources with you. Sketch out a game plan.
Other opportunities include speaking if you are conducting a presentation for work or a community organization. Some of these could include Girl Scouts, the Rotary, the Junior League. Have another Toastmaster attend, provide an evaluation for you and you can get speech credit.
Work seminars could also be an opportunity, so look at the criteria for speeches for discussion leader and seminars projects. Again, get an evaluation from a Toastmaster in attendance.
Once you make Toastmasters part of what you do, you are always thinking of leveraging opportunities.
Create a website or a blog post.
Some people go to networking events all the time. You’re going anyway. Family events. You’re engaging in every day. It’s a matter of being mindful of what you’re doing day to day. Michelle continues, “The longer you are a Toastmaster, the less you think about it. Develop the skills for communication and conversation. That’s what I think is exciting about Pathways.”
Subhash Harmalker, DTM, has extensive experience helping at Area and Division contests. “It is a great opportunity for networking. You’re also providing service, which is very satisfying. Providing goodwill can help you boost confidence and morale. When you venture outside your comfort zone, you learn. Compete in a contest. Learn from observing others.”
Whether you are beginning your Toastmasters journey in Pathways or are finishing up a DTM in the traditional program, these leaders have suggested excellent examples for us to explore Toastmasters opportunities outside of our club.
Speaking of additional opportunities: on Monday June 17, the advanced club Peak Perfotmance of Princeton will hold an Open House, and all are welcome! It will be at 7 pm on the grounds of Educational Testing Service, Chauncey Center, Princeton. Contact me for Information. Susan Matson. Smatson123@comcast.net