Last night was the first night of this round of Club Officer Training. For those unfamiliar with this ritual, it is one way that the Division B Council passes on tips and thoughts that help your clubs committees do an even better job. It is also a way of earning points on the Distinguished Club Plan (a note on this is surely beckoning some time soon!).
Anyhow, one of the key topics we talked through was how to encourage members to venture out to the other near 30 clubs in the London area. Rory Marriott, a very active member on the Toastmaster circuit, reminded me that he recently had an article printed in the District 71 newsletter on this very topic. I thought it worth reprinting here:
The Travelling Toastmaster
In my opinion one of the best ways of improving your toastmaster experience is by breaking away from the comfort of your regular club and visiting as many other clubs as you possibly can.
These 34 words formed the beginning of the speech I delivered on Wednesday 21st November 2007. It was my 10th and final speech of the Competent Communicator Programme.
If you ask the members of Canary Wharf Communicators (my home club) they will tell you that I class myself as a nomadic Toastmaster. They say that I have an Evangelic attitude on this subject and never miss an opportunity to tell them to travel.
During the 2007 Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests, I found myself standing in at late notice as the Contest Chair for Tube Talk Toastmasters. During my introduction, I described myself as a Toastieholic. In fact during a 4 week period I attended 5 club contests (2 as Contest Chair, 1 as Chief Judge, 2 as judge), 4 area Contests (1 Contest Chair, 3 Judge) and 1 Divisional Final (as Timer). I firmly believe in practising what I preach!
I believe all Toastmasters need to visit other clubs and where ever possible speak. After a few prepared speeches, answering several table topics and taking on some of the functionary roles at your own club, most of your public speaking fear factors have dissipated. Because you have spoken in the same environment whilst learning the tricks of the speaking trade you start to become familiar with the audience. They become your friends and the speaking in public “edge” vanishes completely. To truly know how good an orator you have become and to learn additional skills from other toastmasters you need to hit the road.
The most wonderful thing about travelling is that you can learn something new at every club you visit. If you are visiting a club why not offer your own services and experience to the club you are attending! Contact the VPE beforehand and say “I would like to come along to your next meeting and would be willing to help out in any way I can.” Become a topics evaluator or a speech evaluator or why not go the whole nine yards and offer your services as a General Evaluator. I do not believe a single club in Division B would turn down the opportunity to have an outsider give the General Evaluation.
I have been able to share my own toastmaster knowledge with the clubs I have visited by serving as GE or speech evaluator. In my experience, clubs get tremendous benefit from having a fresh pair of eyes and ears evaluating them. I personally gained experience by speaking to an audience of strangers, which can be a daunting prospect and my own club benefits as I take back any good ideas that I see or hear.
There is a further benefit to be gained by visiting other clubs and taking on the GE role as you can use it for credit towards the new CL award. The GE elements and requirements of Project’s 2 and 3 are particularly suited to the wondering Toastie.
It never ceases to amaze me just how different yet similar all the clubs are or how much you can learn by listening to new speakers and evaluators. I have probably gained more knowledge and ideas during the contest season’s than at any time during the two and a half years that I have been a toastmaster. In particular, when I had the opportunity to be the “mystery”speaker for an Evaluation Contest last year. The rewards of receiving multiple evaluations for your efforts are a truly enlightening experience, if you get the chance accept it.
I would positively encourage you all to get out and about visiting as many clubs and competitions as you possibly can, offering your services along the way and enhancing your toastmaster experience.
Rory Marriott CC CL, VP Education, Canary Wharf Communicators
