CUL DE SAC:--- The Disciples Toastmasters Club on Sunday (July 14, 2013) opened the new Toastmasters year with the induction of five new members, bringing to 25, its total membership.
Among those making the pledge to help the club maintain a positive and friendly environment with honest and highly ethical standards were Tamara Carty, Amanda Vital-Bedminister, Agnes Mardenborough- Brooks, Yolanda Pond, and Rebecca Aldophin.
For Carty, joining Toastmasters is another step in her life, as her aim is to enhance her speaking skills. "My goals are to become a competent communicator and enhance my leadership skills," the new Toastmaster said. Adolphin, on the other hand, wanted to be a part of something valuable in the community and be able to help others.
Pond, a native of Dominica who grew up on Saba from age three, was a former Toastmaster and has decided to complete her educational goals this time.
"I have decided to step out once again from my solitary comfort zone and rid myself of the fear of public speaking. Anytime you conquer a fear or achieve a goal, you are going to feel good about yourself. I don't think I'm that bad at public speaking, but I feel that Toastmasters will help boost and sustain my confidence in public speaking so that I don't miss future opportunities to 'stand out' from the crowd. Toastmasters will also give me the ability to sharpen my leadership skills," Pond stated.
She echoed Einstein that communication puts your education at your disposal. For, if you can't express yourself, what use is your knowledge? Communication skills are essential for confidence and leadership. Pond is encouraging anyone who is terrified to speak in front of a group to join Toastmasters.
Meanwhile, Mardenborough- Brooks joined Toastmasters to become more organized and concise when expressing herself. "Since I'm always training and motivating others, I find it would be a big benefit to me and my future plans and goals," said Mrs. Mardenborough- Brooks.
Mrs. Vital-Bedminister, on the other hand, a busy mother of six, is looking for inevitable growth in her communicative and leadership skills. She also wants to use her strength and qualities to enhance the club.
"One clear goal I have had for numerous years was to be in active organizations that ultimately lead to my personal development and career growth. Toastmasters International (TI) is one personal goal that I have finally taken, to challenge the greatness God has placed inside me. It is indeed a pleasure to be a member of TI. It is rare that you find people that are truly interested in your personal growth; that are willing to share and enhance you. The atmosphere of The Disciples Club has shown those characteristics and I consider that attribute highly meritorious," said Mrs. Vital-Bedminister. Her motto echoes that of Paul J. Meyer that "communication – the human connection – is the key to personal success".
All five new members of the club were led in their pledge by newly-installed president, Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) and Competent Leader (CL) Ingrid Holaman before they were pinned by Vice President Membership, Competent Communicator (CC) Sharanne Gibbs.
The Disciples Club meets every second and fourth Sunday at St. Maarten Academy's academic campus. All are welcome.
