What is Toastmasters? When I was working for First Hawaiian Bank they offered to pay for this self-improvement class. At first sight I thought it was a drinking class, like wine tasting. But it was more!

So I joined First Hawaiian Toastmaster and found out that there were many chapters around the state, like Bank of Hawaii’s, Hawaiian Tel, Kaimuki, Moanalua, etc. They meet once a week and usually have a membership of around 20. We take turns giving speeches for a total of 12 to complete the first book which awards the designation of CTM (Competent Toastmasters) and this usually takes a year. The training includes: 1) helping you to think & speak clearly on your feet whether it was in front of 1 person or 100’s of people.                                                                                                                        It helped a stutterer and people who have difficulty converying their thoughts into words.  There were also practice in debates, conducting classes, and entertaining an audience.   These were some of the speeches we did.  Always ending with notes on paper a couple of good and encouraging words with a few faults to improve on, this was essential to help the individual to do much better the next time.  It included training on conducting a meeting and “Robert’s Rules of Order”, how to intro a motion, 2nd it, and vote Ayes and No’s.  My speech class in school didn’t have this type of proffessionalism, if they did, it would have helped me to communicate better and even get a better job. 

This also lead to leadership skills, serving as President, VP, Secretary, Sargent of Arms for the chapter and even on to the State level as Hawaii State Toastmasters Secretary.  I enjoyed the experience immencely, meeting many many people all over the Island and in many different kind of jobs and ages and making many new friends.  And Yes!  we did have celebrations in which we toasted with Juice( since we were on work premises.)