To conquer fears of public speaking, to better their communication skills, or to simply practice the art of talking in front of a crowd, SMU students gathered Tuesday evening for SMU’s Toastmasters kickoff event.
Toastmasters is an organization designed to enhance communication and public speaking skills while practicing in a non-threatening environment. SMU’s Toastmasters is the fastest growing Toastmasters organization anywhere.
The kickoff was designed to recruit and inform new members about the club. The event featured keynote speaker Vince Poscente. Poscente, an author, motivational speaker and silver medalist at the 1992 winter Olympics, spoke on the mechanics of a good presentation, and stressed the importance of public speaking and communication skills.
Only in its third year on campus, the achievements of SMU’s chapter and the chapter’s increased success due to its sponsors was acknowledged at the event. The International Speakers Bureau is the sponsor of the Toastmasters speaker series. Barnes & Noble also sponsors the club, but the principle sponsor of the SMU chapter is Ernst and Young. Ernst and Young gives a $5,000 scholarship to the “Best Speaker,” and a $2,500 to the “Most Improved Speaker,” annually.
Incoming President Brian Wellman was last year’s recipient of the “Best Speaker Award.” Wellman is looking forward to serving as president for the 2006-2007 school year and encourages more students to join. “I am hoping to make students more aware of this club and the benefits that can be reaped from it. This club is not just for students of the business school, but open to anyone who wishes to better their public speaking skills or practice them,” said Wellman.
The club is looking for students from all different majors and all different ranges of public speaking experience. ‘We are just looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals who are interested in improving their communication skills and making a difference on campus,” said Amanda Blakely, vice president of marketing.
President Emeritus Andrew Marcus noted the importance of mastering public speaking skills while still in school. “Now is the time to work on your speaking and communication skills, because no matter what profession you choose, communication will always remain number one,” said Marcus.
Marcus also noted that the success of the club is based on its strong foundation and grass roots.
