> home
> About
> Contact Us
> Editorial Info
> IEEE-USA

09.09

What makes the difference between those engineers who succeed and those who fall short of their potential? The answer lies in the “soft skills” that make individuals stand apart from the pack. Why be concerned with communication and leadership? By honing these skills, you will be more effective in meeting whatever your goals are, and you will make a difference by influencing and motivating others. None of us are as effective in a vacuum or working alone as we can be when we involve others. Leadership and communication skills are critical regardless of job title or function.

The best way to improve any set of skills is to provide focus to it. What better way to do that than to join a local Toastmaster’s club? Toastmasters was formed in 1924, and has grown to be the world leader in helping people become competent and comfortable with public speaking. This non-profit organization has nearly 250,000 members in 106 countries. Joining and becoming active in Toastmasters is an efficient and effective way to improve your communication and leadership skills. Membership is affordable at something like 60 dollars a year, give or take a few dollars for local dues. Seminars that cover public speaking can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and do not provide the ongoing practice and networking that is available through consistent club participation.

We are all at different levels of competence in speaking skills, but no matter how experienced (or inexperienced) you are, you can improve your skills and become even more effective. Each member determines his or her own goals and pace in the program. The Toastmasters program is well organized with well defined-tracks – one for leadership and one for communication. The first manual consists of ten speeches on topics of your choice, each with a particular communications goal (e.g., vocal variety so that you learn to speak with interest and not in a monotone). When you complete a manual, you earn a specific Toastmasters designation. The highest level of achievement is the Distinguished Toastmaster, which signals the completion of both the leadership and the communication tracks.

A large percentage of Toastmasters members are engineers. Perhaps it is the well-organized program that attracts and keeps engineers as members – perhaps it is its recognized effectiveness at producing results. The club environment provides a welcoming and encouraging learning lab for members to gain confidence and skills in presenting to groups. There are many opportunities to speak outside of the club and to participate in speech contests that go all the way to the World Championship of Public Speaking.

OK, you say… I am not interested in becoming a public speaker. Perhaps not, but every day that an engineer communicates in the work place is a new opportunity to influence others and to sell your ideas or your latest proposal. Engineers are called upon to do internal or external presentations at times, and certainly to express their ideas in meetings. Aside from prepared speeches, Toastmasters also practice impromptu speaking. This prepares you to speak effectively when called upon to answer a question on the spot –great practice for interviewing, whether for a new company or for a new internal opportunity.

You can present yourself with greater confidence and perceived competence by continuing to hone your leadership and communication skills. Start a club, or join an existing company club or a community club (see www.toastmasters.org). Visit one or two clubs to experience the program and the particular personality of the club. Many Toastmasters will testify to the importance of this commitment -- how it has enhanced their careers, and how it has provided that needed boost for their latest promotion. Rise to the challenge and achieve your full potential!

Candy Robinson is IEEE Region 5 Director-Elect and a Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Silver and Competent Leader (ACS/CL).

Comments may be submitted to todaysengineer@ieee.org.