Please be our guest!
Storytelling has been around since humans first started telling stories on cave walls, almost 20,000 years ago. However, recent articles in Forbes and Harvard Business Review reveal that scientists are now beginning to understand that storytelling is one of the best kept secrets for business success. Also, according to HR professionals, employees who excel at storytelling and communicating, in general, are highly sought after in the workplace.
Think back to the last really good story you heard. What was it about the story that made it so memorable? Did you ever wish you could tell a story that well?
Now there’s a way you CAN.
A group of San Antonio Toastmasters will be holding Christmas Stories II, a special event at Lion’s Field, (2809 Broadway St), from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, December 5th. You’ll get to hear stories from a soldier’s perspective, a fond and life-changing memory from a 70+-year-old and a new take on “The Night Before Christmas.” You’ll even hear a far-fetched tall tale about a cock roach’s Christmas.
The goal of the event, according to Distinguished Toastmaster and event organizer Kathy Moore, is to demonstrate how Toastmasters can help people develop storytelling and other communications skills in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. “I’ve been a Toastmaster since 2005 and I have seen people blossom in just a few short weeks to becoming poised and self-confident speakers and story tellers.”
Toastmasters clubs are attended by members from all walks of life. According to a 2015 survey (whose results can be read at https://www.toastmasters.org/about/demographics), Toastmasters come from all age groups, 25 to 64. There are slightly more females (51.5%) and they tend to be well-educated, with 75% having at least a Bachelor’s degree. Over 40% earn more than $75,000 and many attribute their job promotions to Toastmasters. Several in the San Antonio and Austin area, say they met their spouses at a Toastmaster’s meeting.
The event is being sponsored by three community Toastmasters clubs: Gavel Masters, Sunday Speakers, and Future Speakers on the Horizon (at Fort Sam). Attendance is free but RSVP is requested. Refreshments will be served. To find out more, contact the Gavel Masters Toastmaster club, by calling Betty Puckett at 210-884-1152, or email her at bettypuck@aol.com. Space is limited so RSVP early. Attendees will get the opportunity to hear some award-winning stories and to learn more about a fun communications and leadership development organization in San Antonio.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. According to the website, www.toastmasters.org, the organization has more than 352,000 members. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 16,400 clubs in 141 countries that make up the global network of meeting locations.
Toastmasters build leaders by giving members opportunities to regularly give speeches, gain feedback, lead teams and guide others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere. Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech, known as the Icebreaker. During their journey, new Toastmasters learn to tell their personal stories.
To find out more about the Christmas storytelling event, please contact Distinguished Toastmaster Betty Puckett at 210-884-1152 or email her at bettypuck@aol.com .There are currently 64 clubs that meet in the San Antonio area. To find out more about a club nearyou, visit the website at www.toastmasters.org .
