Effective communication is crucial for volunteer firefighters and the members at CFA D13 Toastmasters group have enjoyed the training to assist them.
Members adopt communication and leadership skills from Toastmasters to fulfill the role as a firefighter in stressful situations when they are attending an emergency as communication is paramount. Currently members of Community Fire Brigades in District 13 have their Toastmasters membership paid for by CFA, which is another incentive to join.
CFA member Jim believes at toastmasters you’re given gentle suggestions on how to improve your speaking.
CFA member Mark said after joining CFA D13 Toastmasters he has noticed the improvements during meetings.
“I now realise the immense improvement with my oral communication and listening skills.” His leadership has developed and progressed and is thankfully, very comfortable speaking in front of audiences,” he said.
Judy has been a Toastmaster for 29 years and it has enabled her to participate in many special occasions.
“In the famous St Paul’s Cathedral, I stood at the lectern, took the time to stand silently and drink in surroundings before starting. Afterwards the Cathedral’s Cantor told me that it was one of the best readings he had heard, thanks Toastmasters,” she said.
Other goals are set by members such as Allen, who is hoping to develop a purpose in research and finding new ways to make a presentation that will hold an audience.
He enjoys meeting new people that have the motivation to make the effort to improve themselves. With skills, he gained the confidence to advance into more responsible leadership roles.
CFA D13 Toastmasters has changed the lives of members that assist the community in their time of need.
For more information visit https://d13toastmasters.org.au/
