Toastmasters, a Wonderful Self-Improvement Program; Writing a Compelling Blog

This is the ninth article in my series for Toastmasters Leadership Development, Level 4, Write a Compelling Blog.

I recently applied for a job on-line. Shortly after I applied, I received a response asking me to undergo an automated on-line job interview. The automated interview questions were the typical questions – Why do you want to work for us, why are you a good fit, etc. The last question was a little different and interesting. They asked, what have you done lately to improve yourself?

I instantly had an answer. I told them I was a member of Toastmasters, “an international organization for communication and leadership development”. I told them Toastmasters has helped me to become a better communicator and better leader.

I only had 1 minute to record my answer so I couldn’t go into much detail. If you are in Toastmasters, you know the benefits. If you aren’t I can go on and on describing what Toastmasters has done for me.

Toastmasters is an almost all-volunteer organization. Toastmasters has a small paid staff, but the volunteers are what make Toastmasters go. And it’s the volunteers that get the biggest benefit out of Toastmasters. In a previous role, I managed a substantial budget, implemented marketing and training programs. I built a team of almost 50 volunteers and met all the administrative goals established by the Toastmasters International organization.

I met my Chinese counterpart. He told me a fasinating fact about Toastmasters in China. Our conversation helped me to realize how lucky I am to be an American. Toastmasters has taken me to places I would have never otherwise been to. Most of all, Toastmasters has given me confidence. I think that’s one of the biggest benefits of being a Member. Members grow in confidence. Members become better speakers. Active members become leaders.

Toastmasters are in the organization to improve themselves. Part of that involves helping others improve themselves. Toastmasters is an organization of people helping people get better.
I like to tell people I’m a much better communicator and leader than when I joined Toastmasters. And since I intend to stay in the organization indefinitely, I’m not as good now as I’m going to be in the future!
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