|
Orlando Toastmasters Club 28
Meetings Schedules The Phoenix Contact Testimonials Past Meetings 1996-2006 Past Meetings 2006-Current
|
November 2008 (for past articles click on "The Phoenix" page above) PAUL HAGGE SHARES HIS CAREER ENHANCING EXPERIENCES AS A TOASTMASTER From an interview in Hyderabad, India by Narayanan Mudaliar [Reprinted from the Deloitte Region 10 Website. Editor's note: Deloitte is a highly prestigious global financial consulting and advisory firm.] The importance of developing effective communication skills for individual growth and the organization at large, can hardly be over-emphasized. The story of Paul Hagge, CC; a manager in Tax from the Orlando office in Florida and a member of the Orlando Toastmasters Club who is currently on a visit to Hyderabad, is a great example of how the Toastmasters International program can act as a catalyst for success. Paul has been a Toastmaster for about one and half years now. Since 2007, he has completed 10 speeches and earned the coveted award: "The Competent Communicator Award (CC)." In a freewheeling interview, Paul Hagge, CC explains to Narayanan Mudaliar, Secretary and Treasurer of the Deloitte Hyderabad Toastmasters Club, the story of his transformation from an introvert to a fearless public speaker. Q: What has been your experience as a Toastmaster with one of the oldest clubs in the U.S., in the world? Paul: I am proud to be associated with the Orlando Toastmasters Club. I benefited from the Club in more ways than one. I now feel more confident about my career and personal life than at any time before. Before my association with the Club, I could not assert myself well in situations that required public speaking. This hindered my professional life because I was not able to distinguish myself from my peers. Once I was asked to raise a toast at a wedding, I didn't have the confidence to make the kind of speech that I could "wow" the audience. After joining Toastmasters, I know at a moment's notice that I can stand up and communicate effectively in front of any audience. Since my association with Toastmasters, I find myself better equipped to conduct meetings more efficiently and make more meaningful evaluations while advising my counselees. I have been able to hone my leadership skills and motivate others by mentoring them. The Toastmasters' leadership development program has given me the opportunity to practice leadership skills in a safe and friendly environment. I believe the adage: "Just as Toastmasters learn to speak simply by speaking, they learn leadership by leading." Q: How different is the club meeting at Deloitte Hyderabad, India, when compared to your home club? Paul: The Deloitte Hyderadad Club meetings are very similar to our meeting at Club #28 in Orlando! We have the same general items on the agenda. We have the same Toastmaster manuals. The Hyderabad Club's practice of having the evaluator announce the objectives of a prepared speech before its delivery is not practiced in our Club back in Florida. But I think this is very informative and I will recommend it to them. I am impressed with the quality of the Deloitte Hyderabad meetings and the speakers here. I did not find anyone using speaker notes, even considering that most of them were Ice-Breakers [1st Speeches]. Many of the Toastmasters in my Club use notes even after their 10th speech; I still do. I think that this is a testament to the mentoring and leadership abilities of the club officers here. Both clubs are always very warm and friendly to guests. I appreciate the hospitality of the Deloitte Hyderabad club and invite its toastmasters to visit Club #28 in Orlando so we can return the favor! Q: As a 'Competent Communicator', what is your advice for budding Toastmasters? Paul: Stay with the program because you will find the journey rewarding and self improving.
I would also like to invite ANYONE who would like to write articles for our website to e-mail them to me. This website belongs to every club member and all are welcome to add to it. TO GO TO "THE PHOENIX" click here for IMPORTANT DATES, PAST ARTICLES, & MUCH MORE! See you at our next meeting! Kenneth H. Walley,ATMG,CL ________________________________________
|