Developing leaders and better speakers

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lyle T. Ratcliffe
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For almost two years, the Toastmasters International program here at Laughlin has been helping to develop communication and leadership skills to Team XL.

Team XL Toastmasters is seeking new members to attend its monthly meetings in the Chapel annex on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

"This club really does help," said Carmen Aguirre, 47th Contracting Flight contractor specialist and Team XL Toastmasters president. "Public speaking is the biggest fear of many people and this organization helps us feel comfortable and reassured of our abilities."

Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization that was created in 1924 that provides a self-paced curriculum to develop leadership and communication skills. Team XL Toastmasters was created in July 2011 in order to expose the program to anyone older than 18 years old.

People who are interested in attending meetings are not required to become members right away and are encouraged to sit in and participate for a couple meetings before registering, said Valerie Molina, 47th FSS academic advisor and Team XL Toastmasters secretary.

"Once you get involved, this program is much more than just practicing public speaking," said Molina. "This program helps with interviewing and writing skills and developing effective leaders."

Team XL Toastmasters promotes a non-intimidating learning environment that allows members to progress through the curriculum at their own pace.

"Meetings are meant to be as fun as possible and every month the meeting is different," said Glenn Watkins, 47th Logistics Readiness Division transportation manager and Team XL Toastmasters sergeant at arms. "We try to do impromptu speeches every meeting, which are very exciting and help with quick thinking and creativity."

One of the organization's current goals is to get enough members to start a mentoring program. This program would provide new members with a stronger support structure and allow mentors the opportunity to practice leadership skills.

"English was not my first language," said Carmen Aguirre. "I was afraid and self-conscience but this club has helped me feel more confident without criticizing me. We have really begun to see ourselves as a family."

"We develop leaders," said Valerie Molina. "People think we just give speeches, but they don't see that until they come to a meeting."

The next meeting is scheduled for March 26 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and people interested are encouraged to bring lunch to the meeting. Anyone interested in this club should attend the meetings and visit the Team XL Toastmasters Facebook page for information concerning meeting schedules and contact information.