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Ross
Q: When and why did you join Toastmasters?
Ans: I joined Macarthur Toastmaster in May 2011. I was looking for a little exercise for my brain – the job I had was boring me silly and I started to have trouble expressing myself especially with difficult clients. I was also interested in doing motivational speaking, mentoring and in doing training again. Without knowing much about Toastmasters I saw a flyer and checked the club (next door to the dancing classes I was doing in Ingleburn) and they helped me find one on another weeknight at Leumeah. I attended that Toastmasters meeting, began learning new skills, polishing old ones and never looked back.
Q: Since joining Toastmasters, how have you grown as a communicator and leader?
Ans: My confidence has improved - even though I’ve had lots of experience and ideas I wanted an edge in being able to communicate what was on my mind effectively. With the opportunity to practice and get practical feedback from my fellow members, it has been easy to improve step by step. I have also started speaking to bigger and bigger groups including announcing the Annual Fishers Ghost Festival Parade in Campbelltown. But most of all – other people, on and off the job, are taking notice of what I say.
Q: What do you like best about your club?
Ans: It’s the relaxed and fun learning that I enjoy. Members are friendly and really make the supportive and safe atmosphere, they are always entertaining – and did I say fun! Meetings are well organized and everyone is willing to help each other. I have made so many friends locally from Glen Alpine & St Helens Park, Ingleburn to Liverpool as well as interstate and even internationally. The club tells us of all the opportunities for additional speaking & training all over Sydney. There is nothing else that provides the opportunities that Toastmasters does!
Q: Why do you feel so strongly about these opportunities in Toastmasters?
Ans: OK for example, I am involved in Youth Leadership programs in Eaglevale - helping young people to learn communication skills (and I hope to do one in Minto), it is such an opportunity to volunteer and use your skills and the community wins - it’s all win-win! I have joined an advanced toastmasters club to update and renew my training skills – right now I’m promoting and developing an advanced communication workshop and a leadership workshop. I will have the opportunity to lead a local Campbelltown 6 week course called Speechcraft soon – I’m really looking forward to that! The opportunities to grow are there when & where you want them.
Q: What have you done in Toastmasters that has helped you in your career?
Ans: Listening skills – Toastmasters knows this is fundamental to superior communication and leadership and I get better at every meeting (you can’t practice listening skills from a book). Practicing to be succinct and clear helps me make a good case for my ideas in more and more situations. It has improved my time management as well as leadership skills! I am more positive and love to build others energy that makes communicating, coaching and on-the-job training fun again.
Q: What is the most important thing you tell others about Toastmasters?
Ans: All people always do better in life when they improve their confidence. Join Macarthur Toastmasters club where the environment is friendly and supportive, and the self-paced program allows you to build confidence with each speaking and leadership assignment. Come and have some fun Join Toastmasters to practice speaking in front of people, to develop your delivery techniques (including stories) and thinking on your feet. Whether you want to be a little more assertive, take on more responsibility in life and work or want to lead a company, being an effective communicator is critical. There is nothing else like it!
Q: What do you consider to be the highlights of your Toastmasters experience?
Ans: It was simply when I created a motivational speech honouring my father and promoting living life to the full. I had learnt how to make a powerful and persuasive message with simple personal story-telling. It won a few contests too! Members of my club voted me into officer leadership roles so I have taken on more responsibility which stretched me outside of my comfort zone. I worked on what the members needed and as a result I moved forward as a leader. It is always easier to take on more responsibility in life when your confidence soars, and vice-a-versa!
Ross’s first club leadership role was in Public Relations, then Member Education and is Club President for 2014-2015. Ross says he is an engineer by profession, a Project Management Specialist by necessity and an inventor by passion – but Toastmasters helps him in all his endeavours.
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