The 2000-2001 theme for Toastmasters International is "Friends Helping Friends Succeed". Toastmasters are friends from all walks of life, learning
from doing and encouraging each other to succeed. Some might think Toastmasters is solely for professional speakers. It is not. Toastmasters
come from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. We are doctors, attorneys, business executives, small business owners, supervisors,
professors and teachers, accountants, salespersons, artists and homemakers.
Toastmasters helps improve speaking, listening, thinking and leadership skills. It is a self-propelled program - you decide how quickly you progress
and in what direction you go using manuals that emphasize different aspects of speaking and different types of presentations. You will find local
Toastmaster clubs not only diverse but also very supportive and focused. Toastmasters set
goals and encourage each other to succeed - to reach those goals.
At each meeting, two or three members will give prepared speeches based on
manual projects. Then they will receive an immediate evaluation from another member. This is not a hatchet job, or a time to put someone down or ridicule
them. Neither is it a white wash. We try to give effective evaluations that underscore the things done well in the presentation while offering a
suggestion or two of ways to improve. It is this part of our meetings that sets Toastmasters
above all other speech training programs.
What kind of investment will it take you to reap the many benefits of Toastmasters? It will take time. Time to attend meetings and the time to
prepare your speeches. Attendance is not mandatory. It is not a requirement that you attend so many meetings or you are out. However, to get the most out
of your Toastmasters membership it is best to attend regularly and as frequently as your schedule will allow and to participate in every meeting
role.
The Portland Toastmasters club meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7:30 am at Tennessee Christian Medical Center. The meeting lasts
an hour. What a great way to start your week! Toastmasters is not a country club. We
are not a bunch of arrogant know-it-alls who think we are better than everyone else. We are students learning, growing, improving - Friends
Helping Friends to Succeed.
For more information on the Portland Toastmasters Club, please call Darlene Durham at 325-5080.
