More Than Just Talk

If there is anything I have learned during my years in Toastmasters, it is that Toastmasters is about more than just talk. And this is being reinforced in me now.

Currently, I am serving on the Guidance Committee for two separate High Performance Leadership projects. And both are drawing attention to the need to ingrain the Leadership aspects of Toastmasters into regular club or District programs. At the heart of each, is getting the Competent Leadership manual up in front of clubs and encouraging people to use it as more than a paperweight.

In one HPL program, the Leader is looking to encourage the use of the manual District-wide. He is suggesting that a specific CL manual role be created in each club across the District. Those serving in this role would do so for a fixed term, for example 3-6 months, and not only serve as evaluator, but mentor and subject matter expert.

In the other HPL project, the Leader is seeking to establish an enduring mentor program within the club. In this club, a formal mentorship program has suffered from serious starts and stops over the years. The question the Leader is pursuing is when new members should be introduced and encouraged to pursue the CL manual.

In all the years I have been a Toastmaster, I have aggressively pursued leadership opportunities. I encourage others to do so as well. And I heave learned though experience, that communication and leadership skills are not mutually exclusive, both are necessary to succeed.