Book launch for Harry’s Trees

One of the aspects of being involved in an organization is connecting with like-minded people. Oh, we vary in interests and career choices and points in our lives, yet we cannot help but connect in a friendly way as we help each other reach our goals. I’m fortunate in the ones I have made there, from a wide variety of backgrounds, languages and cultures.

Having mentored, officially and unofficially, over my years in Toastmasters, I’ve learned much  about other people and their traditional way of engaging in life. A group of us started trying out different restaurants in the city—Turkish, Arabic, Japanese and more. The countries and places our supper group have represented, initially, were Russia, Trinidad, Quebec and southwestern Ontario. Our Toastmaster from Turkey got so involved with her post-graduate studies that she has not been able to continue in the club or with our dinners. We have a great time together and our gatherings include laughter and serious moments.

A walk in the park after touring Christmas in Paris

Our club, the Energetics, includes a wide variety of ages, from university students to people in their mid- and late professional lives. We’ve had members who are actuaries, computer specialists, elementary and senior public school teachers, yoga instructors, photographers, massage therapist, wedding officiant, dietician, real estate agent, and those who work with newcomers to Canada. Then there’s me, a freelance editor and writer, also a storyteller. An open club invites people from the community and people are finding us and staying awhile.

We’ve had new Canadians come to practise their English and several who have gone on to speak to audiences in a Toastmasters or other professional setting. Our club offers a welcome to guests when they arrive for the first time and goes on to applauding their efforts as they grow in communication and leadership skills through their constant efforts. We’ve lost members to other places because their upgraded skills made it possible to look for other career options and advancements.

Club contest results

Three members of our club are DTMs at the same conference

Some may ask, “What are the benefits of Toastmasters?”

To that question, I’d answer, “More than you ever dreamed of.” It may start with a desire to grow in communication and leadership skills or even a good start at public speaking, but it will not end there. You’ll grow in confidence by facing the fear of small talk or a speech given to fellow employees and others you have never met but have cause to speak to them. It might even help you uncover an unknown skill (to you) and launch you in a new direction.

For me, being in Toastmasters has been enlightening in so many ways. Without doing that first, I might not have been a storyteller. And it’s most certainly helped me as I write and get books published, because you know that once you’re an author, you need to sell the book too.

When you get to be an author…

Back to our supper group. A few members of our group no longer belong to Toastmasters, but they surely have gained from the experience in more ways than one. Friendship is just one of the great outcomes. Our supper group may evolve further in time and other individuals may gather too. Such as my recent Christmas Tea.

Fellow Toastmasters and friends

This brings me to the end of my Toastmaster blog challenge, but do not fear. This is not the end of my blogging. Feel free to check in to storygal.ca again and again.

About