Are our brains getting reprogrammed? Are we losing our ability to think? And are we losing our ability to talk and communicate directly? These are questions that surfaced in the three-day “Talknology” articles of The Daily Couier Newspaper in Grants Pass on using digital texting and other virtual portable devices. While there is value in using the new portable devices, there are also many cautions that we seem to overlook: verbal and written communications the first among them.
Toastmasters International is an organization that has had great success addressing these issues and to improve the verbal development of communications. The Toastmaster speaking processes clearly assist in communicating in all of its aspects. There are two Toastmaster clubs in Josephine County and we are looking to form another one.
I have seen vast improvements in members who want to improve their speaking abilities. We even have colleges sending their Speech 101 students to visit Toastmasters. Today, many firms use Toastmasters to address the deficiencies of speaking and communicating in the business world. Many companies make Toastmasters membership a part of their management training programs because as your article points out, kids today do not get the opportunity to really interact in the art of verbal communications. Business today needs employees who can communicate in all customer facing experiences.
Yes, use of the new portable devices are growing but we cannot forget that at the end of the day its people to people directly communicating that is of the greatest value.
Written by Larry West, Southern Division Governor
Toastmasters International – District 7
Thank you for posting this article. I believe I will contact The Daily Courier newspaper in Grants Pass and buy this article. Excellent food for thought.