Category: Goals

How Toastmasters helps all areas of your life

Toastmasters helps you develop public speaking and leadership skills. It says that on the tin. However, when you really get into it, Toastmasters offers so much more than that. It gives you the confidence to go out there and face your fears.

Eighteen months ago, I attended my first Toastmasters meeting. I didn’t realise at the time, indeed if someone had suggested it to me I would have backed away – but that was the start of an amazing journey that would lead me to be president of the club.

In that time I have developed as a speaker.

More importantly however, is that I have gained the confidence to go out and pursue my goals in life. Earlier this week I published my first book, the Leeds Restaurant Guide. Without the skills of staying focused on my goals, time management and confidence that I gained through Toastmasters, I never would have made to to the attend.

It isn’t just your presentation skills that increase when you join Toastmasters. It brings wider benefits to many other areas of your life too.

What does Christmas mean to you?

‘What does Christmas mean to you?’ asked Euan our President at Leeds City Toastmasters.

I was catching up with Euan after our Toastmasters meeting.

I thought for a moment and replied ‘Christmas to me means – gifts, family, friends, celebrations, mince pies, fun, snow and watching movies on ITV.’

Euan smiled at my reply and said, ‘Yes true, however there is something more to Christmas too.’

I wondered what he meant by there being something more. So I asked him, ‘What else does Christmas represent?’

‘It’s a time for Reflection,’ he said, ‘Reflection of the year gone by and the new year which is about to begin. It’s the time to think about your goals. Goals for your work place, home life and Toastmasters. What are your goals for the new year?’

I nodded my head. What he said made sense to me. Christmas is no doubt a time to enjoy with family and friends. It is also a time to think about our goals. The goals for all areas of our life.

I reached home and began to write down my goals.
“At Toastmasters – I would like to achieve my Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) this year and my Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) this year.”

I’m still 8 speeches away from completing my ACS and I’m almost there with my ALB with a few more roles remaining.

It felt good. Thinking about and writing down the goals has given me the clarity, focus and filled me with positive energy.

How about you? What are your goals for the new year?

Think and reflect upon them during the Christmas period. Write them down and increase your chances of achieving them.

As W. Clement Stone said – Aim for the moon, that way, even if you miss you’ll still be amongst the stars!

Seasons greetings to you 🙂

Hope to see you at Leeds City Toastmasters or White Rose Speakers in the new year.