Toastmasters in Greater Saint John - since 1954

Toastmasters in Greater Saint John since 1954

In January the local publication The District (http://districtnews.ca/) published my article about Toastmasters history in Saint John.  The article is reproduced below

Public speaking continues to rank high on lists of common fears.  A 2016 survey by Chapman University indicated almost 26% of respondents feared speaking in public. Based on my experience I recognize that many more don’t fear public speaking but they are hesitant to speak as they don’t feel their skills are strong.

Public speaking is a skill.  Skills require practice. Since 1954, Toastmasters has been providing opportunities for people in Greater Saint John to develop their speaking and leadership skills.  Participants learn about the elements of speaking and leadership, and then practice the elements in the club environment receiving feedback on their abilities, strengths and opportunities for improvement.  In 1954 that first Toastmasters club was comprised entirely of business leaders including familiar names such as Philip Oland and T.S. Simms. That club still operates today and remains the oldest Canadian Toastmasters club east of Montreal.  In 2016 there are six clubs in Greater Saint John and one in Sussex all with quite diverse attendees. 

To be strong as a speaker or leader people require some knowledge, and regular practice of their skills with performance feedback.  Regarding speaking skills, the knowledge hasn’t changed significantly in many years.  The key elements include organizational techniques, eye contact, vocal variety, and supportive gestures.  This knowledge is widely available from many sources.  However if the knowledge isn’t exercised with practice and performance feedback then skills won’t develop.

Most people join a Toastmasters club because they want to improve their speaking skills, or overcome a hesitancy to speak in public. As people participate and they develop confidence in their improved skills they often move on to new challenges within Toastmasters or outside of Toastmasters.  The average length of membership is about one and one-half years.

If you know someone who can benefit by developing their communication and leadership skills in Toastmasters, or you have a personal interest, please visit www.toastmasters.org and explore the ‘Find a Club’ section.  Additionally if you have questions or comments I invite you to contact me directly at jimkokocki@gmail.com




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