On March 24, in the Business Building, the Toastmasters chapter, a public speaking group, hosted its first meeting.
The chapter teaches students how to build public speaking, leadership and professional communication skills through guided activities and exercises.
Preparing speeches and table topics, members practice speaking on the spot while answering unexpected questions, receiving feedback and evaluations, and being timed to see how long speeches last.
Whether it’s giving presentations at work, interviewing for a job or taking on leadership roles, here are some tips, according to Toastmasters, that could help with public speaking.
Organizing ideas, arranging what you want to say in a clear and chronological order, makes it easier for the audience to follow. Emphasizing key points when speaking makes the most important ideas stand out and fluctuating your voice from a higher to a lower tone can help maintain the audience’s attention. Using gestures like raising a finger and saying one or two. Giving examples and using specific, relatable stories or comparisons helps with audience comprehension.
Toastmasters allows members to take on leadership positions like secretary and treasurer, helping to build confidence and improve public speaking and allowing members to guide meetings and activities. To become a leader or volunteer, students must be elected, giving them a first look at hands-on experience and professional skills.
These skills can make students more confident in the classroom and with communication.
Scott Dell, professor of Business and creator of the Toastmasters Chapter talked about how the idea came to life.
“I was engaged with Toastmasters at another institution that I started, and what it did for our students and community was amazing. I had students thanking me years later,” Dell said.
He explains that seeing this change in his students is what inspired him to bring Toastmasters to Ferris.
Dell says seeing the younger generation struggle with leadership, public speaking and communication is why he really felt the need for this chapter. He explains that the skills taught in Toastmasters are not only good personally, but also for professionalism in the workplace and lifelong growth.
Students are excited for the new chapter and share a few goals they hope to achieve by being part of the chapter.
Cybersecurity senior, Jeffery Auguste, expanded on his interest in Toastmasters.
“I hope to gain more skills in public speaking and have a community. To be a part of something bigger than yourself is great.” August said.
He explains that with this being his last year, making friends and sharing memories are very important to him. To have support and a group to lean on during life’s trials and tribulations is detrimental in our youth.
Others are hoping to build confidence and character.
Data Analytics senior, Natalie Escot, spoke on why she decided to attend the first meeting.
“The main reason I attended this meeting was that I’m a really shy person. I’m hoping to gain confidence in myself and speaking skills.” Escot said.
She described that while walking into the meeting, she was nervous and didn’t really know what to expect, not knowing much about the chapter. Coming out of the meeting, she felt a bit more relaxed and confident within herself. She says it also felt like it was a judgment-free zone.
“For students who are uncertain about joining the organization,” Escot said, “I would definitely say people should attend this, it was one big step for someone like me who is very shy and struggles socially.”
She explains that if you’re nervous about putting yourself out there, do it. You never know until you try something how it could change you. But you have to be willing to take those first steps.
For information about Toastmasters, contact Scott Dell ScottDell @ferris.eduand or look on Ferris 360.