“Should I join Toastmasters?”
You may be debating if you should join Toastmasters or hire a public speaking coach. A public speaking and presentation expert lays out the pros and cons of both Toastmasters and a coaching program.
Public speaking has many benefits. If you want to move up in your career, especially to a leadership role, you must first be seen as a leader. And speaking to a room is something all leaders are expected to excel at.
Public speaking strengthens your leadership skills and improves your visibility.
But what if you haven’t had the opportunity to develop this skill in your current role? You may want to join Toastmasters, or you may want to hire an executive coach.
So, how do you choose? Toastmasters or a public speaking coach? Both options have their benefits. Let me share some facts and observations about each, and you can decide which is best for you.
Toastmasters: What it is and how it works
Toastmasters is a club devoted to the art of public speaking.
It is regimented – it follows an order. Some clubs vary in format; for instance, some are dedicated to storytelling only. But for the most part, clubs will move through a specific format, starting with an “introduce yourself” speech.
If you want to work on a persuasive speech on Day 1, that’s probably not going to happen.
Depending on how often the club meets, and how many members are in your club, you may not get to practice public speaking as often as you’d like.
Some clubs also have entry requirements, so you’re not necessarily able to choose the one you join.
But they are low cost and allow you to visit clubs to decide which is best for you.
What is a public speaking coach, how does that work
A public speaking coach works with you one on one, and takes the time to understand you, your communication preferences, and your unique challenges.
With a coach, you build your skills consistently. You get regular practice and expert feedback, and in the case of my clients, you don’t need to wait weeks or months before you can practice delivering a speech.
The recommendations and guidance a coach offers are customized to you and your needs. If you have a specific presentation you want to develop or practice on Day 1, usually, a coach can offer that. If you want to improve your confidence and be seen as a leader, a coach can help you.
In my work, each client receives videos of their work so they can see their progression in real time. This solution works well for mid to senior level people, all the way up to the C-level.
So, which one should you invest in?
Hire a Public Speaking Coach If you are ready….
To invest in yourself and your career, with intention
For Personal attention and customized solutions for your speaking challenges
To get Dedicated, focused practice time at each meeting – not just a few times a year
To get to the next level or get that next promotion faster
To receive Expert feedback
To enjoy fun exercises that challenge and grow your speaking and leadership skills
To use story to give greater impact to your presentations
To be seen as a leader and raise your visibility
Join Toastmasters if you…
Are at the early stages of your career and new to the working world, or
Are still in school
Have never taken a public speaking class
Want to explore public speaking but don’t have an immediate need
Don’t need regular, weekly practice or feedback
Are not ready to invest more than a few hundred dollars in your next career step
I’ve helped thousands advance their careers, and I can help you. When you’re ready to level up your career, or want to explore what working with a coach would be like, schedule an inquiry call. I’d be glad to help you reach your goals.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I can help you rock your next presentation and overcome the credibility killers, like bad body language, and too many fillers (“like” and “um.”) I can help you and/or your team!
I’ll give you LOTS of practice and feedback. I make public speaking easier (and fun!) for my clients. To chat, schedule a call with me.