Stretch Opportunity - Toastmaster Showcase May 23, 2023

Do you choose consistency and predictability, or do you enjoy occasional changes from routine? Some people will choose predictability at all times, but many need an occasional break from routine and a chance to push their limits. I like to mix in some chaos within a predictable routine.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been planning with local Toastmaster leaders in Saint John to provide an incremental challenge for our local Toastmaster members. We arranged a stretch opportunity for members, and guests, on Tuesday May 23^rd 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Kent Theater on Coburg Street.  Here is a link to the Facebook event  https://fb.me/e/NLPP9eX2

Consistency and Predictability

Regular Toastmaster meetings provide a predictable format, which I enjoy.  Public speaking and leadership are both skills, and skills require practice to keep skills sharp. It is imperative that Toastmaster members have a quite consistent environment in which to develop their skills. Members join with varying levels of experience, confidence, and expertise. Therefore, the environment needs to feel safe for new participants to engage.

Stretch Opportunities

While consistency is critical, stretch opportunities provide a chance to exercise skills in a more fluid environment. At the May 23rd event, speakers will climb a few stairs to an elevated stage, and use a handheld microphone to address the assembly. The microphone is required as very few voices will project well enough without the use of the microphone. You’ve watched speakers use a microphone.  It requires some practice and experience to be comfortable holding a microphone at a consistent distance while presenting.

Guests at the Event

There are many people who have an interest in developing their presentation skills, their soft skills, and their leadership skills. Some are interested in Toastmasters specifically.  For these people, May 23^rd will be a stellar opportunity to see the types of routines practiced at regular Toastmaster meetings.  These routines include planning and running meetings, delivering two-minute impromptu speeches, preparing and delivering longer speeches with prior preparation and practice, and providing and receiving developmental feedback.

There are four local clubs in the Saint John region. More information is available at this link https://saintjohn.toastmastersclubs.org/

The meeting will feature a speaker from each of the four local clubs, and 2-minute speeches from other Toastmaster members. Guests will not be required to speak, but may be invited to speak.  

Stretch Opportunities in General

When developing employees, or group members, leaders need to find opportunity to exercise their skills. Leaders always need to build employee’s confidence and competence, but further to find a way to gently push employees a little beyond their comfort zone from time-to-time.

Should you wish to attend the Saint John Region Toastmasters Showcase and stretch opportunity, please let a local toastmaster know, or email me at jimkokocki@gmail.com