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Administrator D64 Blog

Toastmasters and your company

Originally published November 18, 2014 in the Winnipeg Free Press

Are you looking for persuasive presentation skills that will give you an edge? Are you
interested in learning to communicate as concisely as possible without creating
misunderstandings? Are you searching for leadership skills that build strong teams? Is
Toastmasters the answer? It can be.

Toastmasters is a non-profit, educational organization that has become the answer for many companies around the world. Meetings are held on company premises, typically during lunch time or off hours. The Toastmasters program gives employees the skills and confidence to progress in their jobs. The result is that the employees deliver stronger presentations, lead more productive staff meetings and relate better with clients and colleagues. Members of corporate clubs say meetings also boost camaraderie and provide opportunities to interact with individuals in other departments.

There are over 20 companies in Winnipeg that have formed Toastmasters Clubs and several others are in the process of forming. How can you go about forming a club at your workplace? The key is gaining the support of a decision maker who can authorize the
creation of a club. Arrange a sample Toastmasters meeting at your workplace that shows how meetings are conducted, demonstrates the advantages of the program and explains the steps required to charter a club with Toastmasters International. If you want more
information on starting a club, email lgm@district64.ca.

To hear more comments about Toastmasters, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZdjoqQrhbU&feature=player_embedded

There are Toastmasters meetings every day of the week (day and evening) in Manitoba and North-West Ontario that would welcome you. Go to www.toastmasters.org/findaclub or call 204-338-7401 to find out more. No experience necessary.

Administrator D64 Blog

Toastmasters & Business – a proven partnership

Originally published October 21, 2014 in the Winnipeg Free Press

While Toastmasters is best known for its communication skills, Leadership has also been added to the skill development pool. This provides a special opportunity for companies to benefit by having a Toastmasters club on their premises. When a company sponsors a club, studies have shown that the following areas have been enhanced:
• Teamwork and Leadership Skills are developed through the regular assignments and planning within the meetings,
• Effective meeting facilitation is developed through the practice of rotating the roles in a meeting as well as regular executive meetings, which reinforces good procedure.
• Employee Loyalty and Morale are increased which also reduces turnover. When a company provides support for the learning and skill development that Toastmasters provides, it shows their willingness to to help staff improve their communication and leadership skills and thereby enhance their value to the company.
• Increased Productivity is a result of having all of our events, meetings and presentations timed which strengthens time management skills,
• Through constructive feedback at our meetings, we have found a definite improvement in the performance review process – both for the manager and for the employee.
• Increased self-confidence and communication skills. Employees that are ready to meet challenges.
To quote Ceree Eberly, senior vice president and chief people officer of The Coca-Cola Company who says, “In my role, I see a great value in Toastmasters International’s proven programs for developing great communicators and influential leaders.”
Excerpt from Toastmaster magazine November 2012, CLUB PROFILE
by Mary Nesbitt http://magazines.toastmasters.org/display_article.
php?id=1203839&id_issue=129679
To hear more comments about Toastmasters, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZdjoqQrhbU&feature=player_embedded
There are Toastmasters meetings every day of the week (day and evening) in Manitoba and North-West Ontario that would welcome you. Go to www.toastmasters.org/findaclub or call 204-338-7401 to find out more. No experience necessary.