This article was submitted to the local press in November 2009
The public speaking organization, represented locally by Maidenhead Speakers Club, has benefited more than 4 million people worldwide through improved communication and leadership skills that bolster personal and professional growth
November, 2009 – Eighty-five years ago last month, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley held the first official Toastmasters meeting in the California, USA. Not even Dr. Smedley could have envisioned the history he was making on that day. The organization that started as a small group of people dedicated to teaching after-dinner speeches has evolved into a worldwide leader in communication and leadership development. Maidenhead Speakers Club is a thriving local Toastmasters club; the club members are vocal in their appreciation of what Toastmasters offers them and the community.
“Toastmasters’ long-term success and growth is a tribute to Dr. Smedley’s vision,” says Maidenhead Speakers Club President Ian Rees “He understood that communication isn’t optional and leadership isn’t always natural, but both can be learned through doing.” Today, Toastmasters’ 250,000-plus active members participate in over 12,500 clubs spanning 106 countries. From Dubai to New Zealand, New York to Beijing, each day thousands of Toastmasters participate in meetings to learn and practice valuable communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. In Maidenhead, the Speakers Club has trained over a 1000 speakers in its 25 year existence, and the club has nearly 50 active members.
Vinnie in his element
Vinnie Mc Cann, a projects manager at Waltham Place Organic Farm and Gardens in White Waltham, Maidenhead has really benefitted from his time at the Maidenhead Speakers club. “Like many people, communication is central to my job, whether I’m working with Waltham’s management team, or speaking to an audience of school children or adults about the benefits of sustainable agriculture”. Vinnie remembers his early attempts of public speaking with some embarrassment, but thanks to the proven Toastmasters education program that is all behind him. “I am now as confident speaking to 30 as I am to 300 people- I’ve learnt how to structure a speech, how to engage an audience, how to get my message across in a powerful way. I think everyone should be a Toastmaster member! Without effective communication nothing happens – I would encourage everybody young and old to improve their speaking skills so that we can share ideas publicly and benefit from the different points of view in Maidenhead’s community”
Many organizations stall or even crumble during difficult economic times. Toastmasters has withstood the test of time and Maidenhead has seen growth in the last 2 years as people seek to add extra skills to their CVs. Liam Mifsud, a careers coach and Publicity manager for the club, recommends Toastmasters membership to all his clients “Not only does it prepare you to shine at interview, but people in management know about Toastmasters and look to it as valuable training for the skills and experiences they require in employees,” he says.
About Maidenhead Speakers Club
Maidenhead Speakers Club meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, at 7.30pm. New and experienced speakers are always welcome so anyone with an interest in improving their public speaking and leadership abilities is always welcome to along as a guest and wach the club in action. Further details are at www.maidenheadspeakers.org.uk , or call membership secretary Adrian Sutton on 07525 806170
