“The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” — George Jessel
Sounds relatable? You seem to be doing just fine until you are asked to face an audience but once you do get on that stage, hushing the butterflies in your stomach, your mind that seemed to be juggling a million thoughts until that very second now seems to draw a complete, dark blank.
According to the BBC.com, a 2014 survey by Chapman University found the fear of public speaking to be the biggest phobia among respondents – 25.3% said they feared speaking in front of a crowd. Quite contrastingly, a report from the Inc. in 2019, read: Public Speaking Is No Longer a ‘Soft Skill.’ It’s Your Key to Success in Any Field.
From school years to corporate life, public speaking, is indeed, regarded as one of the most salient abilities in today’s time. But is there really a solution to overcome this fear of public speaking? To become adept and confident in front of that big, unknown crowd? Yes, there is. A kind, supportive environment that is easy and rewarding, one step at a time.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization designed to help individuals become better communicators through leadership training and public speaking practice – Toastmasters International functions by bringing together groups of like-minded individuals who aspire to be better communicators.
Westford University College TM’s Club is focused on nurturing a community of leaders through building confident communicators. Westford TM’s club has been super-achievers in cub growth and individual pathway targets. The students achieved great milestones this year, Winners at the Area and District Level: Westford Toastmasters were the Semifinalists at the Inter-Club Debate Competition. Following this, the President of the Club-, TMBanmeet Kaur very deservingly earned the first runners up title for the international speech competition at the Area Level Contest. She also went on to win the first runner position for the international speech competition at the District Level setting the expectations of Westford Toastmasters to fly higher.
Westford TM Club won the ‘Smedley Award’
Named in honor of Ralph Smedley, a club is qualified to display a Smedley Award ribbon on its banner when it successfully acquires five new, dual, or reinstated members with a join date between August 1 and September 30. The Westford Toastmasters rose the competition high by being among the champion clubs from Dubai & Northern Emirates to earn this award ribbon to receive the platinum rank at both club and district levels. The journey of the club being awarded a retention brilliance award indeed was long but surely fruitful.
MBA Leaders Toastmasters Club:
Adding another feather to the cap the MBA Leaders Toastmasters Club was launched in the last quarter of 2021. Comprising MBA students dispersed geographically across the globe, though young in terms of numbers, the MBA Leaders’ set a whole new benchmark of proud achievements.
TM Richmond Carlos bagged the First Runner Up title for Humorous Speech Contest at the Area 29 level and secured the Third Place at Division Level for Humorous Speech Contest.
With two very successful clubs winning at the Area, Division and District levels, it is with absolute pride and confidence, that Westford Toastmasters Clubs are on track to building future leaders!
This is what our Toastmasters at Westford University College have to say:
”Nida Saddique ( B.Sc. in Business Management, CCCU )
“Joining the toastmasters club has instilled a huge wave of confidence in me when it comes to the areas of communication and leadership skills. This fraternity also allowed me to network with a lot of people and share various stories and ideas. I was the first-ever president of the Westford toastmasters club, and I am currently part of the area council as well. I shall forever be grateful for all the opportunities that came in my way after joining toastmasters.
Arsheen Abdul Azim Arkati ( BA (Hons) Business with Finance, LJMU)
My first day at the Westford Toastmasters club was filled with nervousness, but despite being a newcomer, I quickly overcame it since I was surrounded by supportive and motivational club members. My biggest fear was public speaking, and I didn’t think I’d ever be able to conquer it until I joined Toastmasters. It provided me with the chance to practice and enhance my public speaking, writing, and debating abilities, which I used to compete in the Area Competition hosted by Westford’s Toastmasters club and understand what and how an extempore is delivered. Being a member My first day at the Westford Toastmasters club was filled with nervousness, but despite being a newcomer, I quickly overcame it since I was surrounded by supportive and motivational club members. My biggest fear was public speaking, and I didn’t think I’d ever be able to conquer it until I joined Toastmasters. It provided me with the chance to practice and enhance my public speaking, writing, and debating abilities, which I used to compete in the Area Competition hosted by Westford’s Toastmasters club and understand what and how an extempore is delivered. Being a member of this organization has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made, and I hope everyone gives it a go.
Saad Shahid ( B.Sc in Computer Science, LJMU )
Fate presents us with unexpected possibilities, that turn out to be the most lovely memories we cherish. I was sceptic, and public speaking was challenging for me. I had overwhelming anxiety and dreaded judgment, but my experience in Toastmasters has been lovely, joyful, and supportive. We began as strangers with fear in our minds but ended up being a family and driving each other to excellence. I can not be more grateful for everyone in the club, the events, and the chances to get to know one another and go beyond our potential.
Maaz Asif ( BA (Hons) Business with International Business Management, LJMU )
Toastmasters has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I appreciate it so much that I cannot miss a single session. The table topics are the most enjoyable aspect of the gathering. I never expected to be drawn to a group dedicated to public speaking, as stage fright has always held me back. Toastmasters, on the other hand, have helped me combat my apprehension to the point that I can comfortably compete in a variety of competitions.
Richmond Carlos (UCAM – MBA In Supply Chain, Shipping and Logistics Management)
Joining Westford MBA Leaders Toastmasters Club has to be one of the best decisions I’ve made last year as it has allowed me to broaden my horizon, interact with people from diverse cultures, and enhance my writing and speaking skills. It has been an amazing journey so far and was a great surprise when I received a certificate for Best Speaker – Prepared Speech and best table topic speech alongside a co-Toastmaster. But the most amazing part of my toastmaster journey has been competing in the Area and Division contest where I won 2nd and 3rd Place respectively in the Humorous Speech Category. My journey so far has been short but very rewarding and I look forward to more success in this club.
Mohammed Emara ( MBA – Cardiff Metropolitan University )
I was asked in my company to join a toastmaster club and soon after I received a text message from the president of the Westford MBA Toastmaster Club if I wanted to be a part of it. I accepted thinking someone from my company shared my details, later realizing it was a club at my university. I can say it was one of the best ways to join and on the first meeting itself, I got 1st place in the Best Table Topics Category. There’s a lot more to learn and I cannot wait to keep growing and benefiting from my amazing club! It is one of the next on my life wish list.
Ashraf Hassan Osman ( MBA – Cardiff Metropolitan University)
The Westford MBA Leaders Toastmasters Club was a long-awaited and thrilling experience to upskill my Public Speaking Skills. We all have a fear of talking in front of large crowds especially if we aren’t ready for it and Toastmasters club helps overcome those fears as it offers a great opportunity to interact with other motivated people looking to enhance their skills as well and all that while enjoying the process and the different roles being impersonated. What makes this even more special is that it’s Westford’s first-ever MBA Leaders Club, so it is a great privilege to be among the very first members of this great club.
