speaking of which ...
by althea gonzalez

What can inspire you to ask for a raise? What can make you end years of stuttering? What can motivate you to take a leadership role in your organization? Where can you get an education in the Arts, Humanities, Business, Parenting and History for $6 a month? What can unleash your creativity? What can convince you that your opinion counts? The surprising answer is Toastmasters.

Now I normally get one of two reactions when I mention Toastmasters. The first is, “Toast what?” The second is, “Isn’t that a group of stodgy old men in suits making pompous speeches?” Whether you had one reaction or another, if you can get past the archaic name of the organization, by the end of this article I’m sure you will have discovered one of the best tools for personal growth and empowerment on the planet!

I first heard of Toastmasters when I was 13 years old. My Great Aunt Carmen was a member. Now Aunt Carmen came to the U.S. from Cuba at the age of 45. She did not speak a word of English and had no formal education. After a few years in the states, she and her halting English landed a job in Washington, DC as a filing clerk for the government. Aunt Carmen is definitely not your rags-to-riches poster child.

Having been raised in a culture that valued men’s opinions and accomplishments, Aunt Carmen was shy and hesitant about communicating her ideas. I’m not sure what got her into the local Toastmasters club, but after a short while there, she discovered a few things. First of all, her poor English would not prevent people from listening to her opinions. Secondly, she found that she had a lot more ideas floating around than she had ever imagined. Lastly, that there was a group of people who encouraged her to speak up and take risks. They didn’t want her to shut up. They wanted her to stand up and say what was on her mind.

Fast-forward a few years. I’m 35 years old and wanting to expand my horizons. I’ve had my own network-marketing business at which I am losing money constantly but meeting great people. Somewhere I hear about Toastmasters and decide that it might help my business. My first visit to the Blue Ridge Toastmasters meeting is exciting and overwhelming. The room is filled with 25 people some in suits, some in casual dress. A woman gives a speech introducing herself to the club. She talks about her divorce, her kids, her struggles, her triumphs, and her new career. It’s a very personal and touching story. Then a man gives an incredibly hysterical speech about the fun you can have reading the phone book. I laugh until I have tears rolling down my face. Everyone in the room has a chance to participate because there are a variety of ‘jobs’ as well as impromptu speaking opportunities. It’s a wonderfully supportive environment with lots of clapping. Then comes the palm-sweating part. They invite guests to give their impressions of the meeting. Mind you, I have already talked in front of groups much larger than this in my business. Then why do I stammer and hesitate and utter 27 “Um’s” in 3 short sentences? Probably because I know that my next growth opportunity has just hit me squarely in the face.

In the 4 years since I joined Toastmasters (yes, Virginia I’m almost 40) I have met an amazing group of people. With these wonderful people I have laughed, cried and shared my inner self. I have had an education on the stock market, steam boating on the Mississippi, Irish funerals, adoption, nuclear waste, Laos, computer security…and the list goes on. I’ve been supported to explore my gifts, including singing and storytelling. I’ve networked with hard-working people in all professions. I’ve been trained by masters on how to organize my thoughts and argue them persuasively. I’ve been encouraged to take on leadership roles in the club, giving me confidence to take on similar roles in other areas of my life including managing a store, which I’d never done before. I’ve learned how to listen and evaluate another’s performance…skills that I use daily in my current job. As a part of Toastmasters I have given presentations to the Buncombe County Women’s Commission and the Senior Leadership Conference. A speech that I wrote for Toastmasters even became an article that was published in the Citizen Times. And most importantly, as I’ve gone through my various trials and tribulations, folks who wish me joy and well-being have surrounded me.

Of course, life is not only about receiving but also about giving, Through Toastmasters I have inspired a woman to overcome her fear, ask for a raise and get it. I’ve encouraged people to see beyond the color barrier. I’ve been a willing ear and friend to members who are experiencing personal crisis. I’ve been a mentor for various people supporting and encouraging their growth. I’ve applauded the accomplishments of fellow members knowing how far they’ve come, including WNC Woman contributors Elizabeth Trezise, Kelle Olwyler, Anne Alexander and Cheri Britton.

By now you think this is all about me, me, me. But really it’s about you, You, YOU! What do you want next in your life? Could more confidence help you get there? Might you get there faster if you could organize your thoughts and convey them clearly? Would a few dozen supportive colleagues make it easier?
You know that the only way to know where you’re going is to get out of your box and look at the shipping label. So are you ready?

Whether you’re the spitting image of my dear Great Aunt Carmen wanting to affirm your self worth, or the woman most likely to be the next president of IBM looking to catapult her career, you will benefit greatly from Toastmasters!

There are four great clubs in the Asheville area with many others throughout Western North Carolina (and the world)…all ready to assist you. Just go to toastmasters.org to find the club nearest you.

And when you get there, know that I’ll be in the audience applauding your every step!

Althea Gonzalez is Goddess of her own Universe. This title currently covers her role as manager of Essential Arts, vocal-cord-carrying member of Womansong, Vice President of Blue Ridge Toastmasters, motivational speaker (for hire :-) on diversity issues, privileged mother of a wonderful son and grateful human being. You may contact her at altheago@att.net.