http://d71.org/docs/Conferences/2010autumn/ToastmastersIntroductionTips

Some tips on how you might explain how joining a Toastmasters Club will benefit someone who enquires about how TM membership works.

This same line of reasoning can also be used in approaches to CEOs or HR Managers in businesses that are approached and asked to consider forming a Club in their Company for the benefit of their employees.

“Toastmasters International helps its members to achieve their full potential and make their dreams a reality .It does this by helping them improve their communication and leadership skills and giving them the courage to change their lives.

The Toastmasters Club provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment where adult learning methods are adopted.

Club Members develop and practice communication and leadership skills, which boost their self­confidence and facilitate their personal growth.

Evaluation, which involves members giving and receiving constructive feedback to fellow members, is a key feature of the Toastmasters Educational Programme.

Over a period of time this develops a sense of self­awareness in the members which research shows is the single most important human trait that leads to greater satisfaction with life and performance on the job.

Self­awareness is a key component of Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

Research shows that development of high EQ is by far the most determining factor in on­the­ job performance. Emotional Intelligence has more effect on job performance than either IQ or Personality and of the three EQ is the only one that can be improved throughout life.

If we examine William Glasser’s Choice Theory we can see why the Toastmasters Programme is so successful at meeting the needs of members.

Glasser says that we are all driven by four innate psychological needs. These needs are Fun, Freedom, Power and Belonging.

Any activity that satisfies all four of these needs has a powerful positive effect on the behaviour of individuals.

I believe that well organised Toastmaster meetings will have the necessary mix of activities to meet all of these needs and this will help attract new members to our clubs and retain existing members for longer periods of time.”

Further information about “Reframe and you too can Inspire” will be emailed to those who contact Harry Knox DTM by email at director@wtc.ie