Given recent business closures in the Comox Valley, Comox Toastmasters is offering a free information session May 26 on how Toastmasters can help you in job interviews and become more effective at work. With over 90 years, Toastmasters has been helping members to improve their communication and leadership skills.
To get hired, you will need the eloquence in expressing your strengths and answering interview questions. Once hired, you will need to continually demonstrate your communication and leadership skills to get promoted. All these skills can be learned in the supportive environment of Toastmasters meetings.
During the free event, there will be three speakers who will discuss different aspects of finding a job and advancing at work. Kristin Nickells, a business coach for successful dentists, will illustrate the importance of being able to express yourself with no preparation. As one who has interviewed many potential employees, the candidates’ ability to articulate their thoughts clearly, when asked a question, can be a deal breaker. Nickells will offer the inside scoop on what employers want and give you a secret edge.
Sheila Pickard is a business owner and 10-year Toastmaster member. She will share how to improve employment opportunity using the three Cs: Clarity, Conversations and Communication. The three Cs will apply to everyone including potential employees, employers and family. Pickard will share how these skills could be learned from and practised at Toastmasters.
Harry Piercy, a carpenter and volunteer ski patroller, will discuss how Toastmasters has helped him gain more business contracts. Specifically, he learned to be a better listener with clients, understanding their wants and needs, and making fewer mistakes at work.
Following this special meeting, all subsequent weekly meetings will feature education sessions on presentation organization, body language, persuasion and audience inspiration. These are fundamental skills in being able to convey your message clearly and effectively. Plus, guests and members will hone their impromptu speaking skills with table topics — an opportunity to speak on a topic off the cuff. In addition, every meeting consists of prepared speeches on favourite topics with specific objectives, such as using visual aids and storytelling. Speakers are provided with supportive evaluation. Meetings are a safe and positive environment to practice public speaking.
The event runs from 7—9 p.m. in the Community Room of Berwick at 1700 Comox Ave. You will take a first step to improve your communication skills. For more information call Brian Chow at 250-331-3687.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Its membership is 313,000. Members improve speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 14,650 clubs in 126 countries that comprise its global network of meeting locations.