Speak up: Toastmasters tell it like it is

By Jeff Dean
AFIWC/SMV
Kelly Air Force Base, Texas

Most of us have been communicating verbally since before we were two, and for the most part, feel we have achieved some level of competence. We talk to friends, family and coworkers all the time, and usually seem to get our points across.

We debate the merits of politicians and ball players, discuss various issues, fight and make up, and in general, are comfortable with our ability to put our thoughts into spoken words.

Put us up in front of a group of people, however, and suddenly all those little habits we have when speaking informally seem inappropriate. We hesitate, we throw in “ums,” “ahs” and “you know.” That joke that got such a laugh from your buddies suddenly sounds like a bad idea when you use it in front of a crowd. We have all experienced the speaker who wanders all around in search of an idea without ever truly finding it.

There’s a big difference between speaking in front of a group and speaking with friends. It takes more focus on what to say and how you will say it. What’s more, it takes practice.

Toastmasters is an international club that provides its members with an enjoyable, relaxed environment in which to learn public speaking skills. Meetings are typically held once a week and last for about an hour. Meetings are organized to give members ample opportunities to speak and to provide them with feedback on how they did.

Besides being a fun social activity, Toastmasters affects your life in ways you might not expect.

I entered Toastmasters while serving as an Air Force captain and had a strong aversion to speaking publicly. My knees literally shook the first time I stood up and spoke before my fellow club members. As time went on, it became easier and more natural to give speeches and to lead Toastmaster meetings.

After a couple of years, I began competing in club and area speech contests and eventually served a term as club president.

When caught in the 1992 “rightsizing” of the active duty force, I was suddenly faced with the prospect of looking for a job. My ability to speak, honed by years of Toastmasters, was now of immense value during job interviews. There is no substitute for being able to analyze your audience, think and speak clearly under pressure, and give a polished presentation. I credit Toastmasters for helping me get through the interviews successfully and providing me post-military service options.

Eventually, the job I selected was to work at the Air Force Information Warfare Center. I found myself in a position with many opportunities for public presentations.

Over the past five years, I have submitted and presented more than 20 papers at different conferences. I’ve been called on to do briefings and tutorials, and to preside over social events such as farewell luncheons. On the whole, I have enjoyed all of it and feel Toastmasters has greatly enhanced my life and my value to the Air Force.

For more information on Toastmasters clubs in your area, check out the website at www.toastmasters.org.