Who could ever imagine a boy who was too shy to walk up to the stage for a poetry recitation competition in Grade 3 and who was too shy to express his thoughts during high-school and college days would stand in front of an audience to deliver a speech? Yes. I am talking about myself. A shy boy at school to an outgoing entrepreneur who enjoys meeting and talking to people. Here is my speech number four at Father Agnel Toastmasters delivered on December 8, 2012:
I was introduced to Toastmasters when I was in Jamaica. I was told my my co-workers when we were returning from a staff retreat that Toastmasters is about improving leadership abilities and public speaking skills in a very constructive learning environment. My wife and I were very curious to know more. I saw the clubs closest to us from the Toastmasters International Website - Find a club. We visited all the clubs in the vicinity to find the most vibrant club. This happened to be the Pacesetters' Toastmasters Club in Kingston, Jamaica. This was the period between 2005 and 2009.
When I returned back to India in late 2009, I was looking for a club in the Navi Mumbai area that would be close to where I live. Alas! there was none until August of 2012. In August 2012, my alma mater came to the rescue. Professor Sukumaran - a professor of English Literature at Father Agnel Institution took up the initiative to start a public club in the Navi Mumbai area. We have grown very rapidly in the last six months. From only an idea in Professor Sukumaran's head to twenty members in six months, the dream is now a reality.
My journey with Toastmasters has been a fascinating one and more importantly the one that has transformed me from a shy school and college going boy to a confident entrepreneur striding with confidence. Do you know someone who could benefit from such a transformation? We encourage you to find the club right for you. If you have the discipline and the dedication to change, we are here to change lives, one at a time. You can attend the Toastmasters meeting on alternate Saturdays at Father Agnel Toastmasters Club. For more details, feel free to call me on +91-98198 42553 or leave a comment on the blog below.
