anyone go to toastmasters?

[nrddct]

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Does it help?

One of my weakness's during my interview was not being able to "sell" myself, I came across as too reserved. Has anyone gone to toastmasters, if so what were was your experience like? thanks

 

[aecuenca2]

Hi there,

I've been going to Toastmasters since June of this year and I think it's a great organization. At the San Diego chapter, we have 2 people give prepared speeches with 2 evaluators, one for each of them who also have to speak. There is a table topics section (which is the most challenging) where random topics are assigned and you have to speak for at least 45 seconds and incorporate the word of the day if you can.

I joined toastmasters primarily to improve my overall communication skills and to try and limits the "ahs and ums" I would use when I speak or teach. The environment (at least in my chapter) is very friendly and supportive and everyone has varied backgrounds, which makes it very interesting.

I think if you need practice, or would like to further improve your skills, this organization is great. I think it would be most helpful during your interview. Practicing the questions on interviewfeedback.com is very helpful.

Hope that answers your question,

Arnold Cuenca
MS-IV
Western University of Health Sciences

 

[rjmst]

dag, yo

 

[stwei]

Toastmaster International was extremely uncomfortable for me.
The members there were a lot older than me, looked and presented themselves in any way but having to practise their oratory skills (e.g. expensive suits and ties, perfect dining etiquette, waxed manners, ya know - the whole nine yards). I felt like I was squeezed into a tin can the whole time I was there - didn't fit in at all, and was utterly unprepared.
Make sure you know who the members are and what the occasion requires of you, and be able to excuse yourself if you feel so. Being in touch with yourself is extremely important in social places like these.

 

[stwei]

Oops, I just found out that this thread is over a year old!

 

[Athomeonarock]

well, while its active, let me ask what is the purpose of toastmasters ? Ive read the websites, but i dont really understand. Is it fun, political, or just to improve speaking skills?

 

[NDESTRUKT]

toastmasters is good, but i liked Dale Carnegie better.

they're both geared toward selling yourself, improving your speaking skills, and people skills all at the same time.

Dale Carnegie made me feel way more uncomfortable which I like, because only then will you grow. I'm a definite extrovert and some of the stuff in Dale Carnegie made me kind of shy in front of people...so it was GREAT!

 

[Newquagmire]

i went to my ugrad's group on a whim once and ended up kinda liking it. helps me understand how to bs in a tight spot =D