Anybody here try Toastmasters? 2

[joekm]

I just recently switched to working for a subsidiary of a "mega-corporation" which I'll keep un-named. Anyway, I'm really struggling to find my niche here. There just seems to be so much bureocracy, politics, and general "catty-ness" that it's difficult to actually get anything done. It appears that, even more so than actual knowledge, communication skills are paramount.

To that end, I've tried joining a local chapter of Toastmaster's. Does anyone here have experience with that? Does it help?

Thanks,

--
Joseph K. Mooney
FAA DER Structures

 

[cousink]

joekm, I hope your discussion has helped other engineers enrich themselves and their peers. I just have to add one thing to my post above.

Once I demonstrated public speaking skills outside the branch office of the "mega-corporation", by presenting to area organizational meetings, a new supervisor stepped in, heard of my presentations, and then made it one of his goals to prove how "little" I actually knew about making a presentation. Needless to say, this was very uncomfortable for me, but I suppose it helped.

It's funny how great success brings even greater challenges.

 

[EngineerDave]

This is a great idea. I've been meaning to do Toastmasters for a while. Going to look into it right now.

 

[plasgears]

Something to look forward to:
- Club speech contests;
- Area speech contests among several clubs;
- Division speech contests representing a large metro area;
- Get a copy of the National Speech Contest tape, CD or video, if you can't attend. It will be memorable.

 

[plasgears]

You will notice in Toastmasters that it is populated with highly motivated types: professionals, real estate agents, salespersons, executives.

I once teamed with a lawyer in a debate contest with another club. We lost, but the experience was well worth the effort. The winner taught me how to win a debate.

You unattached types may find it a good place to meet interesting people.

 

[GregLocock]

"You unattached types may find it a good place to meet interesting people."

...real estate agents, salespersons, lawyers

Pass

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[cousink]

That's true... although it's not my reason for attending the local meetings, as a secondary benefit, I have met several helpful professionals at a Toastmasters International meeting. One fellow Toastmaster, a real estate agent, helped get me into my first home on a fine deal for everyone involved.

The main, great benefit to attending meetings is the opportunity to practice speaking while on the spot. If you take the risk of speaking like a fool, acting like an idiot and performing outside your comfort zone, your public speaking skills will improve, because this organization was designed for that purpose.