Page 37 - May 2019 Voices

appointments, to answer a phone call, to use 82nd for effective communication. One of the

public transportation, to fill out forms for participants was a Toastmaster, who introduced
DHS, DMV, USCIS and many more barriers. me to Tell Me a Story Toastmasters Club and I
Besides being a land of opportunities, the joined the club in May 2018. Fellow Toastmasters
USA is also a land of challenges. Refugees are very friendly. Mentors are generous and

face difficulties mainly in communication, ready to help any time.
education, employment, cultural differences,
and undiagnosed and untreated mental health How are you using Toastmasters in your

conditions. People face eviction and are not stable career?

in their housing needs. It is very important to have public speaking
It is very rewarding to help people with skills for one’s career. Toastmasters helped
similar back grounds and situations they went me improve my English language skills and
through. This kind of helping vulnerable people overcome public speaking fear. I came from a

by finding jobs, coaching them with interview culture where public speaking was not legal, I
skills, helping them to fill out applications and was very nervous and uncomfortable standing
assisting them to avoid eviction gives you a sense up in front of the fellow Toastmasters at first, but
that you’ve given back to the community. I have gradually I kept on doing it. TM has helped me

had the privilege of helping people on a more to be able to speak professionally in my work
personal level. I call it privilege because of the place and with my funders and partners and
trust people place in me. collaborate effectively within my profession.
TM is a training platform for you to improve
What brought you to Toastmasters? communication and leadership skills. You

I work with clients and my work also deals come out of your comfort zone and make your
with funders and partners. I need to advocate and life better apart from the above, Toastmasters
communicate effectively with compassion in an improves listening skills and time management.

assertive engagement approach. I was seeking a It helps to build your career.
place to learn and practice my speech and use it
effectively during meeting with funders, clients
and co-workers. I had a 4 hour class at PCC SE

VOICES! | MAY 2019 37