Welcome to the Hong Kong Toastmasters Club.
Dear members and followers of the Hong Kong Toastmasters Club (HKTMC), welcome to our HKTMC website and blog.
Now, I assume that you are here on this page because Toastmasters means something to you, right?
I will not be all persuasive and try to hard-sell you to join the club now or be more active in club activities. But I want you to take a minute and think about the following questions:
Do you know WHY you are here today on this page? What was the reason that got you here in the first place?
“Those who only know what they do, tend to work harder. Those who know why they do what they do, tend to work smarter.” – Simon Sinek
Take a minute and revisit the reason or WHY you are here.
Is it because you want to develop yourself as an inspirational leader?
Is it because you have a grand vision that you want to spread to the world?
Is it because you want to build essential skills and networks for your career change?
Whatever the reason is, has your idea expired yet? Is Toastmasters no longer the way to achieve your goal? If so, we appreciate the time we have together, and we wish you all the best.
Suppose your idea is still valid and Toastmasters is a way to achieve your goal. In that case, I want to ask you, what’s the reason that is stopping you from joining Toastmaster or being active at the club?
Now, I understand that there are many challenges in life that you cannot control. But deep down, are there any internal reasons that hindered your success or achievement?
The fear of change? The fear of failure? The fear of judgement?
Whatever that fear is, I want to tell you that Toastmasters is an excellent platform for you to try and overcome that fear. In the Toastmasters club, everyone is in the same boat. We are all expanding our comfort zone, nurturing our ideas and sharpening our abilities
The best thing is, when everyone is on a similar journey, you don’t feel alone at all.
The more experienced toastmasters in the club have been there and experienced this growing fragile and nerve-wracking stage at some point before. They know how it was, understand how it feels, and recognise what you need as support.
This created the best environment for you to learn from your make mistakes and grow as a person or a leader.
“If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, we go together!” – African Proverb
Let me ask you some questions:
Would you rather fail at the Toastmasters club or at a crucial interview in your life?
Would you rather make mistakes at the Toastmasters club or on a stage in front of hundreds of people?
Would you rather test out and nurture your preliminary idea at the Toastmasters club or bring it straight out to the brutal world?
You see, I couldn’t think of a safer place or platform for you to improve your public speaking skills, practise your leadership, and grow your network.
At Toastmasters, you will never fail; you will only gain feedback and experience.
“There is no failure, only feedback.” – Robert Allen
If you recall WHY you are here in the first place; if you know that you can be better, if you still want to improve yourself and achieve that goal in your mind, Toastmasters is the place to be and be active in. This is the safest place to start or continue your journey to success.
HKTMC not only allows you to contribute more but also need you to commit more. On the other hand, you need yourself to become the leader that you’ve always wanted to have.
We’ll see you in the Toastmasters club.
Author: Raymond Chung – President of the Hong Kong Toastmasters Club 2021-2022
