Toastmasters International teaches Airmen effective communication

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Preston Webb
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Most people, at one point or another, have spoken at some sort of public event. Whether it was in a class or presentation, many can recall the pre-speech jitters, being weak in the knees or even the mysterious lump that appears in their throat when they try to speak.

Team Mildenhall members are learning how to overcome the difficulties of public speaking through the help of Toastmasters International.

"Toastmasters International is an organization (that helps) those who have trouble with public speaking or are intimidated by public speaking," said Red Skelton, Team Mildenhall toastmaster from Tooele, Utah. "Someone can be the best speaker in the world, and we use those people to help us too. If you have problems, we can help you; if you're excellent, you can help us."

When people become Toastmasters International members, they learn how to speak through a series of 10 different speeches, each one focusing on a different aspect of speaking. For example, the first speech could focus on sharing something personal in the introduction, and the next would emphasize transitioning from point to point smoothly.

"If you accomplish all 10 speeches, you'll be (considered) a 'Competent Communicator,' which is one of the first skill levels a toastmaster can achieve," Skelton said.
Toastmasters also give "table topic" speeches, or short impromptu speeches about random subjects.

"Mainly it teaches speaking on your feet. It also teaches speaking clearly," said Staff Sgt. Philip Barry, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron aircraft parts atore craftsman from Big Bend, Swaziland. "Many speech classes tell you to stand behind a podium and speak a certain way, but Toastmasters shows you how to move around and use the whole stage."

Becoming an effective communicator through Toastmasters International benefits Airmen in several ways.

"When somebody comes up and asks you a question, especially as an Airman, people are often intimidated. This gives a sense of pattern to fall back to," Skelton said. "It also builds confidence. You get recognition out of it and become a 'Competent Communicator.'"

In addition to communication, Toastmasters International also develops leadership through the various roles in the club.

Roles such as speech timer, "ah and um" counter and club president teach leadership and responsibility. Outside of the club, many of the same roles can be held at area and district levels as well.

"Toastmasters International is an ideal place for people to get together and better themselves in terms of public speaking and leadership," Barry said.