An ESL Perspective on
Improving Communication Skills
through Toastmasters
TESL North York / York Region Fall Conference
September 26, 2013
Presenter: Sylvia Fung
Today’s Topics
How do I improve my
communication skills?
Is Toastmasters for me?
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Communication Skills
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Communication Skills
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
• Specific
• Teachable
abilities
• Based on fact
• Subjective
• Associated
with personal
attributes &
character
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Communication Process
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Barriers to Communication
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Physical
Perceptual
Psychological
Emotional
Cultural
Language
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Gender
Interpersonal
Timing
Lack of interest
Information overload
Technical
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What is Toastmasters?
#1
1924
4 million
292,000
14,350
122
$36
World leader in communication
& leadership development
Year established
Members worldwide since 1924
Current membership
Clubs
Countries
Bi-annual fees (varies by club)
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How does it work?
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Club Officer Roles
President
VP Education
VP Membership
VP Public Relations
Treasurer
Secretary
Sergeant-At-Arms
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Meeting Roles
Speaker roles
- Speakers
- Table Topic Speakers
- Toastmaster
Evaluation roles
- Speech Evaluators
- General Evaluator
Other roles
- Grammarian
- Ah-Counter
- Timer
- Topicsmaster
- Jokesmaster
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Word of the Day
ASTONISH /əˈstɒnɪʃ/
Definition: (verb used with object) to fill with sudden and
overpowering surprise or wonder
Example: His escape from the fire astonished us.
Synonyms: astound, startle, shock, surprise
Antonyms: forewarn, caution, warn, threaten
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Table Topics Demo
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Activity #1: What if…?
Activity #2: What were you doing in the year…?
Activity #3: TV commercial
Activity #4: Improv story
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Why It Works
1. Atmosphere
– Friendly, no pressure, individual pace
– Opportunity to network and socialize
– Common goal to improve communication skills
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Why It Works
2. Structure
– Proven techniques, education program, manuals
– Clear roles and expectations
– Incentives, awards, contests, conferences
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Why It Works
3. Growth
– Peer learning and teaching, includes mentoring
– Opportunities for practice and feedback /
evaluation
– Increased motivation  confidence  better
communicator
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An Invitation
• Language instructor vs. communication coach
• Proven techniques
• Visit a club and find out more about
Toastmasters: www.toastmasters.org
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Another Resource
North York Project Management Toastmasters
https://sites.google.com/site/nypmtmc/
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Questions?
Sylvia Fung
[email protected]
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