Toastmasters is usually thought of as a way to improve public speaking, and while that is true, there is so much more value that Toastmasters can add to your life and business.
Practising and improving all forms of communication skills are grounded in the Toastmasters process. One such skill learned is the ability to clearly identify and craft a message highlighting the most important aspects that the speaker wants to impart on their audience. Haida Bolton seized the opportunity and was confident in her interview skills as answering spontaneous questions is practised on a regular basis in Toastmasters meetings.
Using these Toastmaster skills, Haida put herself, her business “Nature with Haida” and the Sunshine Coast on the map.
Check out our first certified British Columbian forest therapy guide in her debut in National Geographic at nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2021/08/walk-into-the-wild-british-columbia.
In the article, Haida shared her favourite local places, “the forest at Pender Harbour. It’s incredibly lush and green, especially in the rainy season.” As well as “Porpoise Bay Provincial Park … with its creeks and waterfalls.” Places that we locals know and love as well.
She also shares the science behind forest bathing, citing Japanese studies from the early ’80s which concluded, “two hours of forest bathing a week can help boost your immune system by 40 per cent, and that your body will remain elevated like this for up to seven days.”
Haida describes forest bathing as “all about letting the forest’s sensory stimuli wash over you. It creates a calming effect – like taking a bath in warm water.”
Like the calming feeling of forest bathing, being self-assured in your speaking and effectively getting your point across exude serenity and confidence.
Toastmasters is more than speeches. It can help you improve many business skills. As Haida can attest, it can also be the catalyst to help make your dreams come true.
Come and try out a meeting (via Zoom) and see if it fits for you. More information and meeting times at sunshinetoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org or facebook.com/SunshineCoastTM.
