Improve your communication and leadership skills

A new London Toastmasters group is proposed specifically for people who stammer (or with other speech disabilities). Harry Dhillon describes some of the benefits of Toastmasters and invites you to get in touch.

Would you like to speak with greater confidence? Would you like to learn how to hold people's attention when speaking? Would you like your New Years resolution to be able to speak with greater power and freedom?

Of course, we all would! And the great news is that there are techniques which enable us to become more interesting conversationalists and speakers. Toastmasters is an organisation that many people have heard of, but the name conjures up images of middle-aged men, in strange attire giving very formal speeches. In reality, it is nothing of the sort! For me personally, Toastmasters has been the most effective personal development programme I've attended. And I know of at least two PWS's who, as a result of joining the organisation, have gone on to win public speaking contests at the national level. Many other PWS's that I've spoken to, have expressed an interest in joining, but the fear levels have kept them away so far. So, here is what I have in mind.

What's the plan?

To start a Toastmasters club in London JUST for people with speech disabilities. The leaders of the organisation are thoroughly behind this idea, and offer us their support.

What happens at a Toastmasters meeting?

A normal meeting involves 10-20 people in a room, with the participants working on improving their speaking, and listening skills in numerous ways. Typically, the meeting lasts about 2 hours, with an interval where members socialise and get to know each other. The meetings are designed to improve people's communication and leadership skills in a gradual and structured manner, and most of all, they are fun!

What will it do for you?

Some of the benefits which you can gain from Toastmasters are:
Stronger communication skills. The most immediate benefit of membership is the reduction in fear when speaking. For me, my stammering has reduced measurably, and I now speak with greater ease.
Increased self-confidence and self-esteem. Since joining Toastmasters, I have felt myself change considerably. I have a much greater sense of self-worth, and feel much more in control of my life.
Increased leadership skills. The organisation offers roles at various levels of responsibility and these present invaluable opportunities in acquiring leadership, diplomacy and interpersonal skills. These have been immensely beneficial in my work, where I now contribute much more in meetings and discussions.
Increased social circle. Toastmasters clubs offer a social side too, where members socialise together, make friendships, and grow together as a group, with each person helping and supporting the others.

In summary, I feel that there are enormous benefits to be reaped from this non-profit making organisation, and I am keen that BSA members do not miss out. The purpose of this article is to invite expressions of interest to gauge the demand. If there is sufficient response, then the plan is to start a club in Jan 2012. What better way to start the New Year than with something which helps us to grow, become stronger and which moves us forward?

So, if you are interested in finding out more about this idea, please feel free to email me, Harry Dhillon, on hsdhillon100@hotmail.com.

December 2011

See also: Public speaking / presentations