Page 16 - 2018 June Voices

COACHES CORNER

Experience

Lisa Hutton, ACB, ALB
Club Coach Coordinator

The Toastmaster’s club mission statement, several guests attend our meetings. Afterwards,
We provide a positive and supportive learning we ask them to comment on what they’ve
experience in which members are empowered to experienced—to share their thoughts. It’s not

develop communication and leadership skills, resulting uncommon to hear a guest comment on how
in greater self-confidence and personal growth, is surprised they are with the supportive feedback
recited at my club, Marylhurst Toastmasters, that members get. They’ve experienced, first-
before we commence our weekly meetings. hand, the value behind the speaker(s) being told

I have heard those words delivered almost what they are doing well, as well as, what the
every Thursday night for the past seven years. speaker(s) can do to improve.
What never ceases to amaze me is how much they If you’re in a club that has 12 members or less,
resonate with everyone who attends—including consider what a club coach could do to help turn

our guests. Each time I hear it, a different word things around in the upcoming Toastmaster year.
or phrase stands out. Today, when reflecting on From the recent Toastmaster Leadership Institute
those words, it’s EXPERIENCE. training, I have a list of members eager to be a
Experience is the pivotal word for the entire club coach. Several of them are within arm’s

club mission statement. First and foremost, it’s reach of achieving their DTM (Distinguished
defined as being a positive and supportive one. Toastmaster) award and some have only this
Plus, the foretold personal growth results aren’t remaining servant leadership role to complete
shabby either. Improving one’s communication before the traditonal program expires. Since

skills is the number one reason why people join approximately less than 1% of all Toastmasters
Toastmasters. What some may not anticipate complete their DTM requirements, make this a
is that while they’re becoming competent win-win. Your club thrives in conjunction with
communicators, their leadership skills are an experienced Toastmaster completing what

developing, as well. The end result is a confident they’ve set out to achieve.
person that communicates effectively and As you’re reflecting on what went well and
readily steps up to leadership opportunities. what didn’t this past Toastmaster year, consider
Without engaging in the experience, the personal how much more you’d enjoy your club if a coach

transformation Toastmaster’s club mission was there to ensure the Distinguished Club
statement promises, is unlikely to happen. Program was fulfilled. Are you getting the most
Recently, my club has been fortunate to have out of your Toastmaster experience?

16 ONE COMMUNITY