Toastmasters get new officers, looks for more members

Published July 6, 2010
By Samuel King Jr.
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It was all about beginnings at the Emerald Coast Toastmasters Club here July 1, as the group assigned new officers, met new visitors and a new member gave his first speech.

The 28-person club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in October, meets once a week at the education center. Their mission statement is "to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth."

A common misconception about Toastmasters is that it's a drinking club or visitors will be giving speeches right away. Both are untrue. There were no drinks in sight, or even a toast made at all during the July 1 meeting. The atmosphere in the meeting was welcoming and nurturing and everyone clapped after anyone stood and spoke. This provided instant and positive feedback to help those overcome nerves.

"The unity of this group and the confidence I leave each meeting with is a real morale boost for me," said Capt. Heath Holt, of the 46th Test Squadron, who is new Toastmaster treasurer. "You walk out of our meeting feeling like a million bucks."
The meetings follow parliamentary procedures with the officers announcing the business of the meeting prior to the speeches.

At each meeting, a few members are assigned to give a four-to-six-minute speech on a topic.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Mack, 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron, gave his first Toastmasters speech about his background and life in the Air Force. Although, Sergeant Mack seemed comfortable and had a conversational style, it is not as easy for everyone else.

When polled, glossophobia (fear of public speaking) is always ranked as one of the highest common fears. This is an obstacle the Toastmasters club helps its members overcome.

"I was so nervous up here speaking," said Heidi Frazier, vice president of club membership and member of the 96th Contracting Squadron. "I could barely stand up and say my name and where I worked without my heart starting to race. I have so much confidence now by joining the club and getting in front of people and talking."

Mrs. Frazier, only a member for a year, recalled an intimidating scenario of giving a brief as an intern, but praised the Toastmasters for the confidence she had by being part of the club.

June Newton, current president and five-year member of the club, also shared an experience where Toastmasters provided her a "sense of bravery" to read a poem and give a speech to 175 people at her father's 100th birthday party in February.

Another segment of the meeting designed to get people talking was the "table topics" questions. There were five questions about a subject and individuals had to provide a one-to-two-minute answer to one of the questions. There is a different responder to each new question.

For Adrian Mijangos, a new club officer from the 782nd Test Squadron, this is the hardest event because "you have to think and speak on a dime." Impromptu speaking was a difficulty many of the Toastmasters said they had overcome due to the weekly exercises. The meetings are concluded with feedback and awards for the speakers - yet another way to improve the self-confidence and esteem of attendees.

The club is part of Toastmasters International, which has approximately 250,000 members. The club is always looking for new members and welcome visitors and guests to each meeting. The club meets every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the education center, Room 122. For more information, call June Newton at 882-0917. The link to the Toastmasters website is here.