Just as businesses are having to be creative to seize new opportunities to serve their customers during the COVID pandemic, non-profit organizations such as Treasure Chest Toastmasters have also had adapt how they operate in order to provide their members learning opportunities.
When the initial restrictions were put in place in Saskatchewan, Treasure Chest Toastmasters moved to holding online meetings so their members could continue with their education and leadership training. While it has meant some adjustments for members, there have also been some great positives.
鈥淢oving to online meetings has meant that it鈥檚 easier for people from outside of Yorkton to join and develop their leadership and communication skills through the programs Toastmasters offers,鈥� says Faye Andrusiak. 鈥淭hey can participate in Toastmasters from the comfort of their home, without having to drive long distances, so we have members from new communities throughout the area and the province.鈥�
Moving to the online format has also meant the club can do unique events such as joint meetings with the Big Country Toastmasters from Moose Jaw. This, along with having some very experienced Toastmasters join the club, has meant the meetings have a great dynamic and members are provided with quality feedback.
Andrusiak adds it has also provided an opportunity to learn new skills to effectively hold and participate in online meetings, something many businesses are moving to, even before the pandemic. Even when the restrictions are lifted, the club is considering moving to a hybrid format, so members can participate via video conference or attend in-person.
While Toastmasters is known for helping people improve their public speaking skills, the club offers a lot more than that through their Pathways learning program. Leadership and effective communication skills, whether one-on-one or in large groups, are emphasized.
鈥淏usinesses and organizations today are looking for people who have the confidence to communicate well, because it helps improve customer service and employee engagement,鈥� says Andrusiak. 鈥淕ood communicators are good leaders.鈥�
With employers looking to develop and improve the soft skills of their employees, nearly 300 of the 2020 Fortune 500 companies offer in-house Toastmasters clubs to help retain employees and build their communication and leadership skills. But Toastmasters is not just for big businesses. It can benefit small business owners and employees, as well as volunteer organizations, looking for affordable, local training opportunities. The program recently received the Platinum Award in the 2020 Toronto Star Readers Choice Awards for Business and Career Training.
Treasure Chest Toastmasters meets every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. using the Zoom platform. There is a format for the meetings to help build different skills and experience. This includes a Table Topics section, which helps people improve their ability to speak 鈥渙ff the cuff.鈥�
鈥淗aving the ability to think quickly and communicate an idea clearly, is something a lot of people want to get better at,鈥� says Andrusiak. 鈥淭oastmasters provides those opportunities. You get immediate feedback on what you did well and things you can work on to get better.鈥�
Andrusiak goes on to say that the members are very friendly and supportive, which makes the meetings fun and engaging. 鈥淲e have people from all walks of life, with a range of experience. The meetings are very welcoming and not at all intimidating. Toastmasters is really for everybody.鈥�
The Toastmasters鈥� Pathways program helps members build the competencies they need to communicate and lead in a range of situations. Highlighted by interactive, customized and flexible learning, Pathways offers expanded skill development and competencies that users can apply in their careers, personal lives and in the community. Skills the programs develop include effective coaching, enhancing listening skills, improving communication skills, boosting team collaboration and guiding successful teams.
Guests are always welcome to join the meeting to see what Toastmasters is all about. People can contact the club through social media or its website at 1245.toastmastersclubs.org or email [email protected] for the meeting link.
About Treasure Chest Toastmasters
Based in Yorkton, but open to members from anywhere, Treasure Chest Toastmasters provides opportunities for people to improve their communication and leadership skills. The club meets every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. For more information, visit https://1245.toastmastersclubs.org/, @yorktontoastmasters on Facebook or @treasurechestt1 on Instagram.
