Page 16 - May 2020

FROM THE DESK

Toastmasters and Unemployment

Eldred Brown, DTM - Club Growth Director

Are you one of the millions of people in this Hearing Cleon
country who lost their jobs to the COVID-19 tell the story, you
outbreak? Are you living on an unemployment may think it took me a

income and wondering how you can afford to few years of his prodding
continue your Toastmasters membership? Are for me to finally try a club
you considering membership in Toastmasters and join. It actually took me
but don’t know if you can squeeze it into your only two months. I tried three

tight budget? I’ve been there! I know what you’re different Monday night clubs, WRIP City
going through! I joined Toastmasters after I lost Toastmasters, Portland Toastmasters (Club 31),
my job in the last economic crash of 2008. Let and the At the River’s Edge Club. Because two of
me share the story of how. these clubs ran their spring speech contests the

In February of 2009, my boss pulled me nights I visited, I visited them twice so I could
aside at the start of work one morning to inform get a feel for a normal meeting. I finally settled
me that our business was struggling because of on the At the River’s Edge Club. The rest, as they
the economic downturn and that he needed to say, is history.

downsize his team by letting me go. I suddenly What did I find in Toastmasters that job
found myself unemployed. Knowing that I seekers like you will find valuable?
needed help and support and that networking is • I found that Toastmasters really is an
THE best way to find new employment, I looked excellent place to acquire successful

for job seeker groups in Portland and found the job interviewing skills. I gained the
Job Finders Support Group led by Cleon Cox. confidence to look my interviewer in the
(Does this sound familiar? I know quite a few eyes and answer questions succinctly and
people in our District who joined Toastmasters completely. I learned the value of listening,

through this Friday afternoon group and Cleon’s even if it means asking my interviewer to
prodding.) Cleon suggested I join Toastmasters. repeat a question to make sure I heard it
Cleon shared that Toastmasters could help me correctly. I acquired the ability to let my
polish my speaking skills for the job interview. personality shine so I don’t come across

16 ONE COMMUNITY