In my time in toastmasters I have seen many members come and go. There has been a core of us in Pioneer Toastmasters who have remained and I have grown love these people very much. I have enjoyed many years of friendly participation in Toastmasters and I feel a kinship with them. They are my friends.
Why do people not stay in toastmasters? Well there are many reasons, "I am too busy with my family or career". Who am I to say that is not true? I am sure it is! Many years ago I actually joined a different Toastmasters club and when I was deployed with my military unit I fell off the membership and it was ten years before I came back. Since that time I have been enjoying Toastmasters for some 13 strait years. Why? Mostly my answer is it is funs and I enjoy it! i enjoy the community in my club and district.
An article in this months Leader letter talks to this subject very well. I will summarize my thoughts.
They give four key influencers for people to stay in toastmasters.
Education: This come in large part in our pathways program. After you have been progressing in your speeches it may sometimes seem like this is not making much difference. I would propose that it is. Sometimes the actions in toastmasters are subtle but the results are significant.
Education also comes from doing the different roles in the meetings and attending Toastmasters Leadership Institute's.
Environment:
A friendly welcoming environment has never been a problem as far as I can recall in Pioneer Toastmasters. We are a very welcoming and friendly group! We have been blessed with our stable meeting location for many years now.
Enrichment:
I have been asked why I like the most about toastmasters in the past. My answer remains the same in one word: Diversity. We have people from all different faiths, political leanings, experiences, ages, races and the list goes on and on. We can come together for a common goal, to become better speakers and leaders, ultimately better people with each others help. I enjoy being sociable with different people and I trust they enjoy my company too. We also have opportunities within the District to meet even more awesome people through its events. This to me has enriched my life! Other ways Toastmasters enriches us could be special events, celebrations, Mentorship etc
Empowerment:
Watching someone who is literally almost paralyzed with fear while attempting to speak in front of an audience, and then improve and grow in confidence is very enjoyable and rewarding. To see them grow in confidence and ability is very fulfilling. There are also opportunities for our members to do things outside of our club. As you grow in the club you get "comfortable"and speaking in front of another audience can be just the ticket to inject excitement and energy into ones presentation skills. I still remember with fondness my experience with that as I was the speaker for an area evaluation contest! It was great, I actually felt some of those nerves and excitement that I had left behind speaking in my home club. There are many opportunities with other clubs and in our district to challenge yourself and grow your abilities.
These "four pillars" are worthy of evaluation in our own experiences in Pioneer Toastmasters and beyond! What do you think you might like to try next? How about competing in speech contest? maybe being a guest speaker at another club to help them grow? I think these four areas are worthy of some evaluation and perhaps some ideas for each of us how we could do better or maybe do something new in these areas.
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