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Toastmasters

Ha
Have you ever thought about public speaking? Does ve you ever thought about public speaking? Does
it seem scary or overwhelming? Maybe it is not as
it seem scary or overwhelming? Maybe it is not as
nerve-racking as you think. Let’s see what some of its
nerve-racking as you think. Let’s see what some of its
members have to say about it.
members have to say about it.

One of the best lessons that Toastmasters has taught me is the importance of effective
listening. While most people might assume that joining Toastmasters would mostly mean
speaking to large crowds, I would say otherwise. A huge part of joining is learning how to get
your message across to the audience, and before I do that, I have to first learn how to listen: to
take in advice from teachers and mentors, to learn from listening to my fellow club members and opponents’ speeches, and to keep my ears open to daily
events that inspire me. As a Chairlady of Toastmasters, I find this especially true, since each committee member often has opinions of their own, and it is
important to find a solution with common ground when organizing meetings and activities.
As Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” While it takes
great strength to speak in front of a crowd, my experience of being a toastmaster has taught me that it takes much more than bravery to acknowledge
and understand others’ opinions, even if I may not agree with everything they are saying. Only when people are willing to open their minds (and ears) to
different viewpoints can there be change for good, and only then does freedom of expression reach its purpose.
Chloe Cheung 5D

What would you say is the best reason to join Toastmasters? The answer Being one of the committee members of Toastmasters has
is confidence. Joining Toastmasters allows people to build the skills they need to definitely taken me on a new journey over the past few years.
become more confident public speakers and stronger leaders in every area of their
lives. I joined Toastmasters for the very first time in S.2, and I can
Toastmasters offers a proven educational program that comprises two tracks: still recall that l was extremely timid at that time. It was difficult
communication and leadership. The program allows members to choose one track or and embarrassing for me when I was asked to speak for nearly 2
both, and each features a series of projects that can be completed at one’s own pace. minutes immediately after being given the questions. My hands
Members also have the flexibility to work through each track separately or both at and lips were shaking, not to mention my heart was jumping
the same time, and they can repeat a track as often as they wish. too! Even now, it’s still interesting to think about those days.
Why did I join Toastmasters? I joined when I was in Form Four, and honestly,
the reason why I joined the club was simply because I wanted to gain more Three years have passed, and I can see the growth that
opportunities to speak publicly to improve my spoken English. I gathered it would be I have made. I have become much more confident and willing
useful in future interviews and also my career. Looking back at my decision, I have no to present my thoughts. What’s more, I have also learned
regrets. Toastmasters offers a supportive group environment, where students with that “staying calm” and “being natural” are the cornerstones
diverse abilities and backgrounds come together to practise their skills and exchange for having a fluent presentation. Besides, a nice big grin can
valuable feedback. Apart from delivering speeches, we also have roles in the club like definitely juice up your speech!
timers, Ah-Counters and speech evaluators. Members are asked to evaluate other
members’ speeches while also developing their own listening and interpersonal I genuinely recommend this club to those who have an
skills. eagerness to boost their confidence while speaking English
Being a Form Five student this year, I became one of the Chairladies of the club and to those who want to improve their presentation skills
and this is really a challenge for me. I thought that it would be much easier at first as in spontaneous discussions which are required skills in senior
I did not have to join the table topic section. However, I have to prepare all topics for forms. Toastmasters has brought me tons of unprecedented
fellow members, and this is much more difficult, but it is also fun. Being a chairlady, advantages. If you are considering, please don’t hesitate to join
I have learnt to be more responsible as I have to prepare before every meeting and this warm and encouraging family in the coming year. Have a
think about members’ positions. I also need to be confident as I have to speak more nice day to you all!
often during the meeting. Most importantly, I have learnt to be more like a “leader”.
I really enjoy every meeting and I’m glad that I had the chance to be a toastmaster. Kathy Lo 5B
Sophia Woo 5B

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