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True Toastmaster Stories

Toastmasters International Brings Out the Best In Me

Nuchanath Aumpradithpun, DTM

Transformation Begins Here
Toastmasters is a story of transformation led by Ralph C. Smedley when he hosted the first meeting of The
Smedley Chapter One Club at the YMCA in Southern California on October 22, 1924. Most people join
Toastmasters for one compelling purpose: a much needed space for people to practice their communication
and leadership skills in a structured way. As you read this article, make this compelling purpose part of your
2024 transformation journey as well. Invite others to join this transformation organization,
believing that the changes the Toastmasters experience made in your life will also transform their lives and
their world.

Simon Sinek, author of the bestselling book “Find voice. I quit my job in the subsequent year and
Your Why,” defines your “WHY” as the contribution started a small bespoke training and consulting
you make to the world. It encompasses both your business. I want to help others be the best version
professional and personal purpose. According to of themselves. I called it my Noble Goal, my “WHY.”
Sinek, “it is a reflection of who we are as individuals.”
When Sinek discovered his own “WHY” it became Toastmasters Helps Me Find My “WHY.” I heard of
a lens through which he viewed the world, Toastmasters from a previous organization, and I
influencing his decision-making and transforming thought it might be a good idea to, in addition to
his life. overcoming my fears, improve some of my skills,
especially engaging a diverse audience. I am
Nine years ago, I worked for an international not- an organizational development consultant, an
for-profit organization as a People and Culture emotional intelligence trainer, and an educator by
Business Partner. It was my dream job. Superficially, trade and I meet a lot of people everyday. To have
my life was fantastic. Yet, I did not want to wake those conversations well was something I thought
up and do it again. I kept it to myself, feeling would be a benefit. I was lucky that the six clubs I
embarrassed. I pretended I was happy and acted joined across 4 Districts around the world felt like
more in control than I felt. It was debilitating until home. I’m surrounded by people who are dynamic
a friend of mine came to me concerned that I was in their speeches. Their speeches move me. Their
not acting myself. She offered moral support. She evaluations empower me and the meeting roles
told me she had my back. It was that simple act that challenge me.
gave me the courage to seek out the solutions, to
go back to the way I used to feel and be passionate I became part of the club committees and district
about something again. There was a confluence of leadership. I felt it was a natural fit in terms of my
events, and I made the discovery that every single leadership skills. I met many wonderful people,
organization on the planet, even our personal organized club speech contests, District Annual
career paths, always function on three levels: What Conferences, and ran Toastmasters Leadership
we do? How we do it? And why we do it? Institute (TLI) and Club Officer Training events.
Those nine years with Toastmasters were great
These levels are based on neuroscience. I knew years that helped me understand the strengths
what my career goals were, and how to pursue and weaknesses in my leadership journey. I cannot
them, but I could not tell why I did it, the missing recommend Toastmasters strongly enough for
piece. It was not until 2015 when I first started my career and personal development. Toastmasters
Toastmasters journey that I found my “WHY,” my means I have a full address book and a full calendar
10 Voices!