13 May 2023

Pathway Project – Team Collaboration

Level 2: Introduction to.Toastmaster Mentoring

Objective: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring. Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protégé. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor.

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Good afternoon to our Toastmaster of the Day, my fellow Toastmasters and guests.

I am Emmylou Felimer and I have been a member of UP Manila Toastmasters Club for over 12 years.

The first time I heard of Toastmasters, I was already a college instructor and speech communication consultant for about 10 years. But still, when I was invited to join the group by Juvy, a former schoolmate and roommate in Ipil Residence Hall in UP Diliman, I was hesitant. My exact words were “Naku! Baka nakakahiya sumali. Ang gagaling nyo sa public speaking, I’m sure.” She suggested that I observe during meetings first. I did just that and felt early on what a supportive and learning-oriented group, Toastmasters International is.

It didn’t take long for me to decide to join. TM Joseph was my batchmate then. I met the amazing team of Ms. Beng, Ms. Yoly, Ms. Pam, Ms. Diane and others, who were such beautiful people inside and out. Attending Toastmasters meetings then offered an opportunity for me to learn, to speak my mind and to share ideas with people who are also enthusiastic about communication and leadership.

Toastmaster Dianne was assigned as my mentor. She helped me navigate the Toastmasters journey from the basic speeches in the Competent Communication Manual to the more advanced speeches. She gave insights into my choice of speech topics to the content, to the way of delivering them. She guided me through the rudiments of the Competent Leader category such that I became a club officer early on and even became the Club’s President in 2013. Thank you very much, Toastmaster Dianne.

But, reminiscing now about my Toastmasters journey, and although there are members assigned to monitor the newbies, I feel like it is actually the whole group that is my mentor, then and now.

When I joined Toastmasters speaking competitions, I got the best training not only from Ms. Diane but also from TM Beng, TM Pam and TM Yolly. I joined the Prepared Speech category and speech evaluation category in my early years as a member of the club. My topic in the Prepared/International Speech Category then was about my life as a single parent. There was not much time to practice because I was busy juggling three (3) jobs, but almost everyone in the club took the time to give ideas on the content, delivery, even allotting time for me to practice during club meetings.

TM Yolly cut some portions of the speech to make it more concise and make the message more emphatic. TM Beng gave insights on the proper movements and facial expressions. I went on to win in the area level competition that time and represented the club in the Division level competition. The same dedication of the group was then given to me for that next competition. I didn’t make it that time but I learned much from the experience.

Reiterating my earlier point, here in Toastmasters, it is not only one person who mentors the newbies. It is the whole group. The seasoned or veteran members bring in their wit, wisdom, and enthusiasm to the group. The new members, and we have several wonderful ones with us– TM Jonathan, TM Karen, TM Kenneth, andTM Khaye bring in new talent, fresh ideas, and in the practical sense, allow the club to continue and thrive. I also had the opportunity to be a mentor to Toastmaster Nenette and some members in their first year of being part of the Club, I tried to provide the same care and dedication that I received.

This is the learning process the Toastmaster’s way and for this, I am very thankful.

(Author’s Notes: My Evaluator liked the content and delivery of my speech. She suggested that I improve the beginning and ending. I agree that both parts are rather common. Our General Evaluator also mentioned about my thesis in 2014, which was about Toastmasters. I totally forgot about this when I was drafting my speech. I really should have added it, especially that it’s a seminal study about District 75 Toastmasters International.)