JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston is now offering a program that will help build confidence and improve leadership skills. The Toastmasters International program, held at the Air Base Education Center, is designed to help individuals become more confident in public speaking, improve their professional leadership skills and also how they interact with others.
The program is open to anyone 18 and older and has access to the installation.
"Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches communication and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs," said Master Sgt. Brian Collins, member of local chapter Globemaster Toastmasters. "The overall organization currently has more than 260,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 113 countries."
Although the organization serves people from completely different backgrounds and from all around the world, the club at JB CHS will practice the organization's core concepts with the same goals.
The mission of a Toastmasters club is to equip its members to become effective communicators and leaders at every level.
Shelia Reed, Toastmaster member said, "The JB CHS Globemaster Toastmasters club is available to every Airman, civilian or retiree who wants to improve their communication skills and develop their natural leadership abilities,"
The club provides members with the practice and experience they will need to maximize their individual potential and growth in the professional world.
"Members can expect to receive the opportunity to practice and refine their communication skills in a no-threat, non-judgmental and fun environment," says Master Sgt. Julius Walker, Toastmasters member. "Whether it is one-on-one or in front of a large group, they will learn the skills to effectively get their point across to any audience. Communication is the key to building great people skills."
The Toastmasters Club held their initial meeting July 26. Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Kloeppel, local Toastmaster Club president, said he is excited about the club starting up and thinks it will be a valuable resource for local residents.
"This club will be beneficial for the JB CHS team by increasing our people's communication and leadership skills," Kloeppel said. "In today's fast paced world, communication is vital to the success of any organization. Whether a member is enlisted, officer or civilian, the need to communicate is integral to the ability to lead and guide younger members and also interact with supervisors.
"The greatest value of this club is the feedback given by individuals within the club, down to our youngest Airmen," Kloeppel continued. "Airmen are given the opportunity to critique and provide feedback on the speeches given by noncommissioned officers, senior NCO's, officers and civilians. Since there is no military rank within the club, it enables Airmen to feel free to get involved, as they are the future."
The Toastmaster Club meets every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Education Center. Anyone interested in finding out more information may attend a meeting or contact Shelia Reed for more details at 963-4906.