Learn to Lead – Guaranteed!

This material originally published on Toastmaster International website

When you visit a Toastmasters club you’ll see more than people giving speeches. You’ll see members performing various jobs in the meetings that help them develop leadership skills.

One of the tools Toastmasters use to learn about and practice leadership skills is the Competent Leadership manual. This manual, which all new Toastmasters receive as part of their New Member Kit, guides you through the learning process and focuses on leadership skills you can learn simply by serving in various meeting roles. Some of the skills you’ll learn as a member include: how to listen effectively, think critically, plan a meeting, manage time, facilitate a contest, motivate listeners, mentor a member and build a team.

The manual offers 10 projects. You will perform several meeting roles to gain experience and complete each of the projects. With each role you carry out, you’ll learn an aspect of the skill covered in that assignment. Most projects let you choose which roles to serve in.

For example, one of a leader’s most important qualities is to be able to listen effectively. Active listening helps you acquire information to identify and clarify issues, make decisions, resolve conflict and be creative. There are several roles you can perform during a meeting to practice and develop your listening skills.

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Related Resources:

• What is Toastmasters?
• Bring Toastmasters into your...
• Why Join?
• How Does It Work?
• What Toastmasters Can Do For You