Toastmasters helps students, faculty build communication, leadership skills

Toastmasters, an international organization focused on empowering individuals in their communication and leadership skills, has started a chapter at USD.

About 20 students, faculty and community members participate in the weekly meetings so far. At each meeting, members give a speech on a specific topic.

Lee E. Felder, Jr., vice president of Human Resources for USD and a member of the Toastmasters chapter in Yankton, initially brought the chapter to USD.

“South Dakota hasn’t had one at a university until now,” Felder said. “North Dakota only has one and that made me want to bring it here to USD. I just think it is a great opportunity for South Dakota to help staff, students and community in public speaking.”

Carl Gutzman, president of USD’s Toastmaster chapter, said the club will also increase staff development.

“We saw this as an opportunity to give staff, students and community members a chance to work alongside their peers to improve their leadership and communication skills, and that’s really what toastmasters is all about,” he said.

Yapping Yotes Toastmasters Club, the organization’s official name, is open to anyone over 18 years old. All participants have to pay a membership fee. The club meets every Wednesday on the second floor of the Muenster University Center.

So far, the club has gained quite a bit of interest, Felder said.

“We have had such a powerful interest in Toastmasters already,” Felder said. “We had over 50 people show up to the demonstration.”

There are major benefits to being a member of Toastmasters, Gutzman said.

“I think, from what I’ve observed so far, one of the biggest benefits is self confidence in your speaking and leadership skills,” Gutzman said. “You get hands-on practical leadership experience.”

Jen Hovland, a co-sponsor of the new USD chapter, said the skills participants learn in Toastmasters can be applied to their day-to-day lives.

“Anytime you can improve yourself, you’re going to make a better employee and volunteer,” she said. “Improving communication and leadership skills will not only continue your education, but also appeal to potential employers.”

Hovland said so far a majority of the club’s members are USD staff, but there are a few students and community members that are participating.

The minimum amount of members needed for the club is 20, but Hovland said that if they get 20 more, they will start a second club during the evening hours.

“What I am really impressed with is how organized it is laid out in terms of the curriculum and materials they have to help a club member grow in their leadership and communications skills,” Gutzman said. “Everyone works through a workbook so it’s really hands on. You’re actually doing the work.”

The first Yapping Yotes Toastmasters Club meeting was held on Oct 7. The meeting started with introductions and the introductions of people’s roles.

Angela Mann gave the first required speech called an “icebreaker” which she entitled “Why I Joined Toastmasters.” Gutzman said everyone is welcome to come and observe the meetings and join after if they wish.