Self-Improvement During the Pandemic

Many people feel like they are living a life that is “less than” what they expected it to be. The added pressure of an ongoing pandemic has many wondering if there is any way they can ever make their life better?

The answer to that question is a resounding “Yes!”

One consequence of having to work from home is that many businesses have gone virtual. They are conducting meetings, training, and marketing on virtual platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. Schools and civic organizations have also turned to virtual meetings. Toastmasters International (TI), the 94-year old public speaking organization was also forced to have many of its 16,600 clubs in 143 countries adopt a virtual meeting format. One of the positive benefits of this has been the ability to visit Toastmasters club meetings around the world. TI has realized a further unexpected consequence of going virtual. The move coincided with the organization launching its revamped online training program called “Pathways.”

“Pathways has greatly expanded the training opportunities offered,” said Wesley A. Whittaker, the Vice-President of Public Relations for the Fenton Area Toastmasters. “Toastmasters is now more than just teaching public speaking. The Pathways online curriculum presents opportunities for people to learn those ‘soft skills’ that differentiate the leaders in any organization. These include running efficient meetings using an agenda, giving effective presentations, and even how to negotiate the emotional minefield of giving constructive feedback.

“Many executive coaches today,” continued Whittaker, “teach managers to try and find the appropriate balance between the positive contributions of an employee and the negative behaviors that are holding that person back. At Toastmasters, we learn to use the “sandwich method” of evaluation. Start with some positive feedback, follow that with specific suggestions for improvement, and close with highlighting something exceptional or positive that the person did.

“The leadership psychology behind this technique is fairly simple. By starting with positive feedback, you gain the person’s attention and buy-in. This makes them more receptive to your suggestions for improvement. By closing with another positive point, the person receives the feedback and leaves the meeting with a positive feeling. This usually leads to improved performance on the part of employee.”

Other Fenton Area Toastmasters are quick to agree with Whittaker’s assessment. James Orolim is Global Key Account Manager for Festo, a global leader in automation technology based in Troy.

“Toastmasters training has helped me hone so many different skill sets,” says Orolim. “I am more effective at communicating with my clients and my peers and have learned to listen more effectively. Management has also noted an increase in my confidence and an improvement in my leadership skills. I get to help others achieve their goals and there is no better feeling then that.”

Chris Patrello, the Manager of EMS Training at Ascension Genesys says that Toastmasters has given him better presentation skills and made him more aware of the needs of his audience.

“I found the confidence to be a presenter at a conference,” says Chris. “This led to more speaking opportunities professionally. I have become more aware of how to run meetings and to stay within specific time constraints. What’s most important to me is that Toastmasters is a supportive environment where I can grow individually and can help others grow as well.”

Could your organization profit from learning the “soft skills” that seem common to all outstanding leaders? If so, send an email to Robin Riddell, VP-Membership, at VPM-699671@toasmastersclubs.org and ask for a “Visitor’s Pass.” You will be sent the Zoom credentials that will allow you to participate in the Fenton Area Toastmasters online meeting.

Fenton Area Toastmasters meet Friday mornings (except on holidays) at 7:30AM. If that time does not fit your schedule, visit the Toastmasters International website for a list of other clubs anywhere in the world. The address is https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club.

Turn this stay at home time to your advantage. Give some love to yourself and take advantage of this opportunity to check out the new and improved training opportunities available at Toastmasters. Dare to discover the leader you were born to be.

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