Member Success Stories: Stepping Outside The Club

by Brandon Harker, VPPR of Triple Crown Club

People who join Toastmasters are joining to learn how to speak in public. Many times that may be the extent of their speaking – in the club or to a wider Toastmasters audience. One of our members stepped outside the club, and outside Toastmasters, this month and gave not just one presentation, but two.

ACS/CL Michael Cooper gave 2 presentations on customer service to staff of the Marion County school system this week. Building on what he has learned over the last 4 years in Toastmasters he managed two 45-minute presentations that were well received by the administrative and before/after care staff. He had only been scheduled for one presentation, but another scheduled speaker was unable to attend 2 days later and he was asked if he could come back at the last minute. In his own words: “It takes a lot out of you being up that long when you aren't used to it. You're constantly gauging the audience's reaction, your message and your time. Unlike club meetings you really have to be “in-time,” since there are other scheduled activities coming right after you.”

This is his third speech to groups at CTAE, having been given time to talk about the value of public speaking and Toastmasters, to the business class there.