Campus Club Takes Jitters Out Of Public Speaking

Bearcat Toastmasters is a group devoted to the improvement of communication skills. The UC group, one of 8,500 Toastmasters groups worldwide, is a fun, friendly group where members learn to speak effectively in public, manage time, hold leadership positions, and communicate with others.

"We are all there to learn and improve together," says Linda Graviss, the immediate past president of the UC group.

Toastmasters uses various activities to reach their goals. Members complete the first level after giving ten speeches about various topics, chosen by the individual.

Everyone works at their own pace, signing up for speeches when they're ready. Although there is no time requirement to complete speeches, "your growth, of course, depends on how much time you put in," says Donna Gering, the current president.

Along with the speeches, members take an active role in meetings, serving as evaluators, "word masters" and timers. In addition, each member gets the opportunity to be the Toastmaster for one meeting, taking on the responsibility of running the meeting.

"Everybody does a little bit of everything," says Graviss. The speeches have other rewards as well. "The major help for me is, I do not give speeches often, but periodically I need to as part of my job. When you give speeches at Toastmasters on a more frequent basis, it affirms the ability exists and it's fun," says Ray Renner, assistant vice president for Finance and director of Construction Management.

Graviss was able to use skills from Toastmasters to prevent a disaster last fall. During a class for her master's degree, she realized she forgot her speech notes. "I didn't realize until I stood up I had my overheads, but I did not have my speech notes. There was no turning back. Fortunately, I maintained my composure. At Toastmasters I had practice many times, and I was able to complete my speech."

Other advantages include meeting new people and developing contacts on and off campus. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds, and hold various positions within the university community and the Cincinnati area. "One of the things I really enjoy is the meeting of other people and forming relationships," Gering said.

The Bearcat Toastmasters, which was established at a charter reception in October 1999, reached three milestones during its first year. The club's newsletter, "Cat Tales," was named one of the Top Ten at the international convention in Miami Beach. It reached "Distinguished Club" status by achieving five of ten goals outlined by Toastmasters International. The goals range from membership to individual member awards. In addition, the group was recognized by Toastmasters International's Annual Club Membership program. "We are a wonderful success story," commented Graviss on the club's achievements.

Membership is open to anyone over 18 years of age. Currently the UC chapter has 27 members, with 13 of them charter members.

"I'd recommend Toastmaster to anyone who wants to improve communication skills. We love new members... The best thing about Bearcat Toastmasters is that it crosses all boundaries -- our members include administrative staff, faculty, students, colleagues from the Health Alliance and researchers from the Environmental Protection Agency," commented Linda. Gering believes Bearcat can also assist students. "If you are looking to make contacts for career advancement, this is great," she says.

There is an initial fee of $49 to join and a renewal fee of $30 every six months. With membership, each person receives the Toastmaster manuals which provide the information necessary to prepare for each speech. Bearcat Toastmasters meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first, third, and fifth Thursdays of each month in Dining Rooms C&D of the University Hospital Cafeteria. All visitors are welcome.

For more information on Bearcat Toastmasters, visit them at www.uc.edu/bearcat_toastmasters or contact Donna Gering at 522-3176 or donna.gering@uc.edu.