An Interview with Farlan Dowell, a member

Hello Fellow Toastmasters and most welcomed guests!

Welcome to Westiside Toastmaster's Club #638 eNewsletter. Visit our Website and drop in on a meeting or two...

An Interview with Farlan Dowell, member of Toastmaster Club #638

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO CHECK OUT TOASTMASTERS?

I was actually coaxed by a friend to join Toastmasters. I heard the name of the organization: Toastmasters - and thought, what a waste of time, what do we do, sit around a table and make Toasts to each other?

What kind of loosie-goosie way is that to spend a Wednesday evening. But when I dropped in on a meeting, it was totally unexpected and absolutely fantastic. Whatever your preconceived notions are based on the name of the organization, leave them at home, come out and SEE what it's all about.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR SPEAKING SKILLS?
Do you want to be a better speaker, or even the best speaker? Here
are the only three steps you need in order to do it.
1.) Speak in front of a group
2.) Get honest feedback (positive and constructive)
3.) Go back to step #1

Are you a good public speaker? Like EVERYTHING else in life, it's not a gift you're born with, it's a lot of hard work. If you don't think you're a very good public speaker, you might be right...if you don't do anything about it, you certainly will be right. If you want to improve your public speaking skills, check out a meeting. If you think you're a good public speaker, come to Toastmasters and PROVE it.

Are public speaking and communication important? Look at almost any CEO or visibly successful person in business - they are excellent COMMUNICATORS - full stop. They are able to articulate themselves in a way that fosters trust, support, buy-in from staff and investors and are able to rally people around an initiative or cause. No matter if you're a homemaker, actor, or sales associate, Toastmasters will help develop, refine, or perfect what you already have. The best part about Toastmasters, is that it takes place in a mutually supportive environment where people gather to achieve a common goal. There are no sales pitches, or personal agendas, only a passion to improve in the art of communication.

WHAT CRITERIA WOULD YOU ADVISE WHEN CHOOSING A CLUB?
When choosing a club, you should base it on a number of factors:
1.) Do you feel comfortable?
2.) Are there speakers here that you can learn from?
3.) Is it reasonably close to where you live?
4.) Is it a mutually supportive environment?
5.) Do they serve pancakes?

by Farlan Dowell