Name: Manuel A. Reyes, ACG, ALB
Position: Program Quality Director
Club(s): Impact 21, What Exit?, Brunswick Advanced, and Brunswick Toastmasters
Other positions: At the club level, I have been Club President, VP of Education, VP Public Relations, Secretary, and Sergeant-at-Arms . I have also served as Area 42 Director 2015 – 2016 and Division D Director 2016 – 2017.
How long have you been in Toastmasters? Since April 01, 2014.
What are your plans for the district/area/division?
The theme for this Toastmaster Year is “New Beginnings”. And I like to think of this theme as the start to great things. In the year ahead, I want to see our members grow in their communications and leadership skills. I want to ask everyone to set a goal to complete a personal milestone, like to move up or add one communication or leadership award. For example, leveling up from CC (Competent Communicator) to ACB (Advance Communication Bronze) and so on.
We all have a new opportunity to reassess where we are today and where we want to be a year from now. As long as everyone keeps sight of where they are headed, we should be on the right track.
For a starting point, let me remind you of Lao Tzu quote. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And if you are on your path today, then take the next step.
Why did you join Toastmasters?
In a year-end and performance review, my former boss casually told me a few years back that if I wanted to get a promotion I needed to work on my communications skill and that I may benefit from entertaining the idea of joining the Toastmaster. I listened to him, I attended a meeting and as they say the rest is history.
What advice do you have for new members?
I came here in search of growing my knowledge base through personal development and advancing my communication skills. I wasn’t sure if this was for me. When I started and had to speak in front of the club, I was kind of scared and didn’t feel all that confident. I had done a decent number of presentations in front of my colleagues and clients, but this one was different. I was listened to and I was given feedback right there on the spot.
I was terrified to know how many filler words I was using and how my ideas were not in sync from the opening to the closing. I realized that I needed to work even harder to concentrate and get my ideas clearer to the listener. My first thought was run and don’t look back, but I am grateful I didn’t.
Even still, I realize that I have a long road ahead of me, since life is a constant learning experience and we can never lay our guard down. I have learned that failing forward is a good way to advanced. And that when you learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable you learn to listen and appreciate that the feedback is not personal, it means you can be better and that’s all I wish for you too.