Mayo groups mark centenary of Toastmasters

Toastmasters founder Ralph Smedley once said: Learning to give a speech is important. But equally important is learning to listen critically and then give the speaker the benefit. 

Toastmasters International is 100 years young this year. It was founded by Ralph C. Smedley who also went on to become an avid stamp collector. 

Having graduated from Wesleyan University, he found his way to a local YMCA where he conducted classes in communication skills and more. Whilst there he became aware of leadership shortcomings in young men and their ability to organise and run meetings. 

As a teacher, he set about doing something to remedy the situation and gradually over a period of a few years his method of teaching communication and leadership skills became established across the nation. 

News of this new enlightened approach spread across the Atlantic Ocean and established itself across Europe, Ireland and further afield. From these small seeds sown in 1903 rose from a nutritious soil one of the world's greatest clubs - Toastmasters. On so many levels, Smedley’s dream became a global phenomenon.

Among the many skills Toastmasters learn in a fully supportive club environment is that of 'Mindful Leadership'. To quote the psychologist Dr Stephen Mc Kenzie: “The essence of knowing where to lead other people is knowing where to lead ourselves."

If you are a mindful leader then your responses come from that centre of peace and calm within yourself. If you want to grow then you must keep learning.

Developing leadership skills is a learned experience. For example, several of the most important leadership skills a Toastmaster develops is their ability to “demonstrate enthusiasm consistently”. Articulate a compelling course of action. Sell the benefits. Tell more stories. Invite participation. Reinforce an optimistic outlook and encourage the potential in others.

If you are not already a member of your local Toastmasters/ Speakers club in your are thena now is a great time to explore and develop your true potential. What you will discover is that you are the kind of person people like to be around. An influencer and a friend. Toastmasters welcome people from all walks of life.

In September, Ballina Toastmasters Club resumes its winter/spring season. Remember the first result of speech training is that of self-discovery. With that in mind can you afford not to be a member of this dynamic club?

Email tomflynn1946@gmail.com to learn more about the Toastmasters movement in the West of Ireland, including Ballina.