Bob Dyal
Bob Dyal, CL, ATM-G
President of Rich Del Toastmasters (1994-1995)
I am currently the longest serving active club member – about ten years – with good reason. For me, the Rich-Del Toastmasters Club has been fulfilling on many levels. It has bolstered my confidence, developed my leadership skills, supplied me with extra friends (you can never have too many) and has just been loads of fun.
As a novice in public speaking, I was terrified about delivering a public presentation – even to a small crowd! The club used positive and constructive evaluations to help me improve in increments. Advice was given on how to effectively manage my fears. Today, I can speak with confidence in virtually any environment. I have given prepared speeches on a variety of topics to equally varied audiences. I have also been the Master of Ceremonies in a number of social functions – weddings, anniversaries, club events, etc. I would probably never have considered enrolling in law school without my public speaking skills. The confidence I have developed in the Rich-Del Toastmasters club has helped me win several important cases before courts and administrative tribunals.
As a former Club President, I learned a side of leadership I had never seen before. The President is the Chair of the Club Executive Committee, a seasoned Toastmaster and leader by example. Contrary to popular belief, a great leader builds consensus. The club provides training in this area by offering workshops and manuals on running effective meetings and other leadership skills. I have had the good fortune of using such skills as Vice-Chair of the Richmond Provincial Court Committee. I have even employed them at home among family members! Consensus building has universal application.
The club environment is comfortable and conducive to making friends. Indeed, the way in which guests are received is a study in the art of friendship itself. Our club is so cohesive that we regularly enjoy a social hour following our weekly meetings. The differing backgrounds of our members ensure an interesting and stimulating social mix.
Finally, the entire membership experience is just so much fun! Competitions at the club level and above ensure that experienced members have a chance to test themselves against others of a similar caliber. Table Topics allow members to give unplanned short responses to surprise questions. Some of the questions asked and many of the responses given would provide great fodder for a TV sitcom! The social events are absolutely memorable. These include: club anniversaries, X-mas celebrations and summer potluck dinners. I occasionally regret that I did not have my camera handy at some of these events.
Overall, the Rich-Del Toastmasters Club offers its members the best value for learning communication and leadership skills. It addition, it provides self-esteem and fun. I invite you to come see for yourself what all the talk is about. Join us as a guest – as often as you like. You will have a first hand opportunity to look at how the club program works. In my experience, most club members joined after attending as guests three times or less. I'm sure that you will be no exception. On behalf of the Rich-Del Toastmaster club, I welcome you – dear guest!