Celeste was aiming to improve her interview skills and to feel more empowered when meeting prospective employers when joininh her local Toastmasters Club.
“I wasn’t excelling like I wanted to,” she said, “and I had aspirations to be a leader in my field of education. I asked myself what I could do better”.
At Celeste’s first Club meeting, she was impressed by the variety of backgrounds, ages and professions of the members, and the wonderful respect and camaraderie in the group.
There was a nurse, a bookkeeper and another member who had changed her career from teaching to tour guiding.
“I still feel the same positive vibe and welcoming atmosphere every time I walk through the door,” Celeste said.
Celeste was surprised to be asked for her feedback at the end of that first meeting.
“There was no pressure to comment, but they genuinely were interested in my opinion as a first-timer.”
Also, at every meeting, slips of paper are available to write an encouraging comment to another person about a noticed improvement. Celeste enjoys both receiving and writing these notes, and she has kept most that have been given to her.
Celeste appreciates how much she has learnt about people from the speeches that members prepare and share with the group as part of the formal Pathways education program. Celeste recalls a speech titled The Gramophone Record where the LP record was used as a metaphor for life, eg. staying ‘in the groove’.
A specific opportunity to develop leadership skills was offered to Celeste when the Club celebrated its 100th meeting. Celeste was part of a team that developed a creative plan to involve everyone in the party while social distancing during Covid.
“Becoming a more active listener has been one of the most important skills I have developed in Toastmasters”, Celeste said.
“I am quite an extrovert, and I’ve recognised that stopping to really listen to another person helps me understand what they have to share and to take a suggestion on board in my own life.
“Toastmasters definitely helped my interview skills as I was able to secure a new job soon after I joined, because I was applying what I was learning and practising.”
For anyone considering joining Toastmasters, Celeste’s message is clear. “You will be welcomed and accepted, and your achievements will be recognised and celebrated.”
