Member Spotlight: Interview with Keith Thornton

Q&A with Keith Thornton, Electric Utilities Specialist, Sempra Energy; Founder of Nonprofit Organization: Thornton Art Initiative for Women Empowerment; New Member Ambassador for Encinitas Toastmasters

This interview was conducted virtually by Pat Rarus, DTM, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Keith, you have only been a member of Encinitas Toastmasters for a few months yet you have been remarkably active and involved. What fuels your passion for our club first, and then, Toastmasters International in general?

A: Hello, Pat! Everything feels so new! I bet you would be amazed to know my one-year anniversary with Encinitas Toastmasters has just recently passed and in that time, I have missed but one meeting. Knowing how much talent is within our group each week fuels my passion. I participate so actively because it’s fun and challenging at the same time. As for Toastmasters International as whole, it is a great organization that improves our self-confidence in any speaking environment we may find ourselves in.

Q. Keith, you have been employed in the utility industry for decades. How has your Toastmasters’ involvement so far helped you at work?

A: Thanks to Toastmasters, my self-confidence has soared so that in any speaking setting, I can hold my own with the best in the room. On a more personal note, my Toastmaster’s involvement has given me the ability to concisely interact with fellow team members, especially as a better listener.

Q. Keith, you are also the founder of a nonprofit organization to help victims of domestic violence. Please summarize the goals of your nonprofit. How can Encinitas Toastmasters help you with this worthy cause?

A: My domestic violence charity is still in its infancy. With that said, my goal is to be the best ambassador for the cause than I can possibly be. By improving my vocal presence through Encinitas Toastmasters, I am rapidly gaining the self-confidence to speak on any stage or in any environment and advocate more effectively for our nonprofit’s impact and growth.

Q: Keith, what have you learned so far in Encinitas Toastmasters that has improved your speeches?

A: I’ve learned to relax and breathe while organizing my thoughts. This simple yet effective practice helps me face my audience with self-confidence and to stay on message.

Q. Keith, what do you like most about your role as New Member Ambassador on our Encinitas TM board?

A: Well in all honesty, I get to test my decade’s worth of leadership skills while interacting with our newest members. I strive to be one of their role models, and the relationship can be mutually beneficial. I believe that I can help our new members successfully navigate their journey with Encinitas Toastmasters while also gaining insight and vision from them.

Q. Keith, it is early yet. However, Encinitas TM believes in planning ahead. Right now, do you see yourself serving in other board roles in the future, perhaps even becoming our club president someday? Why or why not?

A: I wouldn’t put any limitations on my growth potential because of the opportunity that Encinitas Toastmasters has afforded me. The beauty of our group is that there are plenty of ways to have impact through service to our fellow members. It’s great to carry on the legacy of such a prestigious organization that has helped members improve their speaking and leadership skills for more than 40 years.

Q. Keith, you are super-busy with work, your nonprofit and other activities. How and why do you make time for Encinitas Toastmasters?

A: I’m a firm believer in long-term commitments by fulfilling our various meeting roles well in advance. When I commit early, I do so with the knowledge that my co-members are depending on me to honor my responsibilities.

Q. Keith, what advice do you have for brand-new Encinitas Toastmasters who might be afraid to give their first speech known as the Ice Breaker?

A: My advice is to trust your memory. Like most speeches or at least the majority, we will find ourselves speaking about moments in our life. My Icebreaker was about a windmill on an apple farm when I was three years old. Have fun with your first speech, I say to new members. After all, the consensus is that the more you speak, the better you will get.

Q. Keith, thanks for your detailed and inspiring answers. Do you have any other comments on Encinitas Toastmasters or Toastmasters membership in general?

A: I would end by encouraging all who want to express themselves better professionally or socially to attend a local Toastmaster’s group and be open towards challenging themselves to return and ultimately join. Toastmasters’ membership will elevate your desire to grow into a more effective version of yourself.

Member Spotlight: Interview with Stephanie Morris

Q&A with Stephanie Morris, VP of Education, Leadership (July-Dec. 2024) and Rising Star of Encinitas Toastmasters. Professionally, Stephanie is the Sustainability Coordinator at Waste Not Consulting.

This interview was conducted virtually by Pat Rarus, DTM, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Stephanie, you have been a member of Encinitas Toastmasters for about a year now. How has membership and participation improved your personal and professional life? Details, please!

A: Encinitas Toastmasters has really enriched my life in a holistic way. I leave each meeting with more energy than I came in with, which I didn’t expect when I started. I’m an introvert, so I usually feel depleted after being social! We’re so lucky to have a diverse club in terms of age, careers, and background, which is really refreshing. Professionally, individuals and the club as a whole have really helped me grow exponentially in my ability to be assertive, positive, and clear in my communication with coworkers, clients, family, customer service reps, etc. The list goes on.

Q. Stephanie, you recently obtained a new career position. Did your Toastmasters skills give you more self-confidence to apply for this particular role and then ace the interview(s)? Again, please give us details.

A: Absolutely. I tend to downplay my own accomplishments, but we are such an uplifting, supportive group of people that you can’t help but start to push YOURSELF like you would for a fellow Toastmaster. Plus, Toastmasters has made me more comfortable saying YES to those uncomfortable but necessary experiences, like interviewing and networking. I don't know anyone who enjoys a job hunt/interview situation, but I normally think when I'm so nervous and in my head; during my recent interviews, I could really hear the questions, pause if I needed to, and move the conversation in the direction it needed to go.

Q. You impressively chaired ETM’s relocation committee late last year and were ultimately responsible for finding our new meeting place at The Hive. What was involved in this important assignment? Also, have you always been so organized and detailed-minded? If so, please share your secrets to success!

A: My CPA mother will be equally shocked and proud to see me described as such. And my dad’s a retired fire captain, so taking chaos and creating order is just in my blood! Jokes aside, it came down to getting everyone’s input and support, especially yours, Pat! You, the board, and other seasoned Toastmasters knew what we did and did not want to see in a space. There were many prospective locations, so I just pooled everyone’s information and displayed it so that everyone who was part of the search could see it and add their research to it.  We could more easily decide on a club. The Hive was just a really lucky strike.  I’m somewhat connected to the North County nonprofit world, and I know multiple nonprofits (shout out to ProduceGood and Coastal Roots Farm) that work out of The Hive. It just happened that they had a space that would fit our group.

Q: Stephanie, you were recently voted ETM’s Rising Star amid tough competition. How do you plan to grow even more as a speaker and officer at Encinitas Toastmasters? 

A: I love taking on roles, evaluating, and being on the board, but I do tend to put the actual speech projects on the back burner. I have tons of fun thinking on my feet so preparing and planning my own crazy thoughts/ideas into a cohesive speech is a different story. That’s what I’m working on. Building time into my weekly schedule for those preparation steps is crucial if I want to continue to grow! 

Q. Stephanie, most of your speeches have been about protecting our environment through conservation. When did you become so passionate about this subject? What are some basic ways that we can preserve and protect our planet?

A: Thank you for letting me get on my soapbox, Pat! Whether you care about saving money on expensive paper towels, so you rip them in half instead of using the whole ones, or you hate wasting food so you always bring your leftovers home and use every bit of the peanut butter jar, or you enjoy growing flowers, whatever… everyone’s got little tricks like that which ARE in essence, conservation. That’s sustainability. I’d start with just ONE more “green” thing that feels useful. When it becomes an automatic habit, add another.  

Something I’ve mastered is bringing my reusable cup pretty much everywhere. So, the thing I’m working on now is reducing paper towel use. I got a microfiber cloth to dry my hands.It’s for backpacking, so it’s small, and I want to use that instead of paper towels because, honestly, I hate those air dryers. I’m only at about a 5% success rate so far, but I’ll get there!

The other thing I’ll recommend is REALLY EASY: Spend your money (or keep your money) with businesses and banks that align with your values. Dig deep into the places you frequent and see what they’re doing (or not doing) for the environment and workers along the supply chain. This’ll probably even help save some money because if you really look,  you’ll probably wind up cutting down on purchases at Amazon, Temu, Walmart, etc.

Q. Thanks for your detailed answers, Stephanie. Why, in your opinion, should working people – even those very busy – make the time and effort to become active Toastmasters?

A: Like I said, somehow, I leave meetings with more energy than I started with. We laugh, we cry, we eat, we learn… and we get off our screens! And just by sitting in the meeting and listening- you’re improving your and the other members’ progress. Plus, your employer or prospective employers WILL be impressed if they know what Toastmasters is. If they don’t, you’ve just provided something of great value to them.

Member Spotlight: Interview with Katie McCabe

Q&A with Katie McCabe, Salesforce.com Administrator and Co-President of Encinitas Toastmasters

Pat Rarus, DTM, conducted this interview, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Katie, you have been a member of Encinitas Toastmasters for a few years now. How has membership and participation improved both your professional and personal life?

A. Toastmasters has added so much to my life. I’ve met wonderful friends and improved my speaking skills. I recently had an online job interview in which I had to record answers to the questions with only one minute to review them. Toastmaster’s Table Topics prepared me for this kind of challenge. I also gave a eulogy at my beloved aunt’s funeral last year. It was a very emotional experience, but my Toastmasters training kicked in, and I was able to honor my aunt.

Q. Katie, you recently told our club that you have a unique way of preparing for a speech. Details, please!

A. I find that I go completely blank if I sit in front of my laptop to try to compose a speech. Instead, I go on a walk. While on the walk, I brainstorm ideas and try out concepts. Once I have much of it figured out, I come home and jot down notes. The next day, I go on another walk to practice the speech, swapping out ideas as I think of them. (I may look a little odd walking around my neighborhood practicing a speech!) The final step is recording myself on my laptop to test the timing and see which sections need more practice.

Q. Katie, I understand that you have lived in 14 different cities over your lifetime. Why all those places? What has this “moving around” experience taught you?

A. My father was a pilot in the Navy, so my family moved 14 times by the time I was 14 years old. I was the new kid in school countless times. I learned how important it is to be welcoming to new people in any situation. Conversely, I learned how it is our own responsibility to proactively reach out and connect with people when we are the new ones.

I lived in many different areas of the country and the world. It was great to learn early on that there are many different ways to live and that they all have value. This experience has helped me think twice about the status quo and be open to different ideas.

Q. You and Moeko Wilson are serving as ETM Co-Presidents. This is new for our club, yet it seems to be working well. How do you and Moeko share your duties? What makes a Co-Presidency easier and more rewarding, in your opinion?

A. I am so lucky and thankful to have such a wonderful co-president and friend, Moeko Wilson. We are a great team because our skills are complementary. Moerko has served as Treasurer and Secretary in past board terms, so she knows the ins and outs of the business side of the role. I have served as VP of Public Relations, Sergeant-at-Arms, and VP of Education, Leadership, so I am more familiar with the communication and education side of things.

Moeko and I meet monthly before board meetings to divide duties and plan the board meeting. Luckily, Moeko is very organized, so she has set up a spreadsheet to keep us on track. We then copy (cc) each other on all important emails so that we are both up to speed. It has been a wonderful partnership!

Q. What is your favorite part of a Toastmasters’ meeting? Is it the prepared speeches, Table Topics, or Evaluations? Tell us what and why.

A. I am actually having trouble answering this one. I love all three main parts of the meeting — prepared speeches, Table Topics, and evaluations — for different reasons. I’ve gotten so much out of the prepared speeches. They have made me both laugh and cry, and I always learn something! I was most intimidated by Table Topics, but they are so much fun to watch and have really helped me improve my extemporaneous speaking. The evaluations are where I have learned the most about the craft of speaking. The seasoned evaluators have provided countless tips that I’ve incorporated into my speeches over the years.

Q. Before serving as Co-President, you held other board positions over the years, including VP of Education, Sergeant-At-Arms, and VP of Public Relations. Why is it important for club members to serve as officers? After all, they are not getting paid for this responsibility!

A. Serving on the board is a great way to improve career skills. As VPPR, I learned new software for sending mass emails and building websites. As VPE-Leadership, I saw an education program's inner workings. And as Sergeant-At-Arms, I learned that even in a role that I don’t feel I’m naturally cut out for (organizing supplies and setting up the meetings), I can still have a great time. Encinitas Toastmasters has done so much for my life that it is wonderful to be able to give back to the club by serving on the board. The board has brought me so much closer to many of our club members, and I’ve made lifelong friends.

Q. Katie, Encinitas TM is already one of the top clubs in San Diego County. How can we tweak our meetings or practices to improve our club?

A. One of our biggest challenges right now is the size of our club. We are closing in on 70 members! Managing a club of this size is a completely different ballgame. We are continuously working on keeping our meetings on time while still having time for prepared speeches and important club announcements and giving everyone a chance to speak. We are testing out different meeting options, such as shortening role descriptions and timing every section of the meeting, to try to get everything in. With the ratio of new and experienced members growing rapidly, we are also working on education improvements. We have rewritten all the role descriptions and are linking them from Easy Speak.

Our New Member Ambassador has created an education survey that will be sent out soon. We have also added a new member website page and are considering a buddy system for new members. We are also empowering our veteran members to speak to new members and answer questions.

Member Spotlight: Interview with Keith Eck

Q&A with Keith Eck, CLU®, ChFC, ®  Founder/Owner, Keith Eck Financial.

Former Treasurer and now Sergeant-At-Arms, Encinitas Toastmasters, PM3, MS3

This interview was conducted virtually by Pat Rarus, DTM, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Keith, You have a compelling life story to tell because major health issues derailed your promising football career while still in your 20s. Could you elaborate, please?

A. When I was a 24-year-old NFL (National Football League) football player, I suddenly felt ill on the flight taking me back to play for my second year with the New York Giants. At 6’4” and 280 pounds, and ready to become starting center, I looked like the picture of good health. Still, I felt terrible. The stewardess and the pilot asked if I wanted them to land the plane, and I said no. When I finally reached the hospital, I learned that I had suffered a major heart attack, losing one-third of my heart. The doctor said, “You will never play football again!”

Q. Keith, why, specifically, did you pivot to financial services after you had to quit the NFL?

A. My father suggested that financial services would be a great industry to join. He had been working in it for his whole life. After my first year in the NFL, I took the money I saved from my first year’s salary ( which was very small compared to what first-year players make now), and I bought a duplex in 1978 with a college friend. Because I now had a mortgage to pay, I needed to get a job ASAP. I was in a different financial services specialty than my father. Still, I had a 43-year career, and I enjoyed the thrill of helping clients reach their financial goals.

Q. How has joining Toastmasters helped your public speaking career?

A. Joining Toastmasters was a great decision, and I have to credit my wife because it was her idea. I was thinking about hiring a speaking coach to tell my story. But, my wife felt that speaking in front of a roomful of people each week would accelerate my speaking skills. She was right! As a Toastmaster, not only do I have the opportunity to give speeches, but I also can volunteer for different meeting roles, which helps me polish my speaking skills in other ways. Toastmasters meetings are run with excellent time management and organization, which are invaluable for everyone’s discipline. Toastmasters International, or TI for short, is also the best bargain for the dues you pay and the rewards that you reap. You could not ask for a more supportive environment to overcome your fear of public speaking. If you are already a good speaker, Toastmasters provides a great atmosphere to polish your skills.

Q. Keith, you have served as our club treasurer a few times. What have you learned from serving in this office? Why is it important for club members to serve as officers? After all, they are not getting paid for this responsibility!

A. Serving on the board as treasurer has been a great opportunity to assist our club, and it gives me a sense of involvement beyond attending the meetings. Our club has grown so much over the four years that I have been a member! Serving as Treasurer and now Sergeant-at-Arms helps me feel that I have had a role in that growth. I think it’s important for members to volunteer for board positions for their own personal growth and to bring a new perspective to our meetings.

Q. Keith, you recently gave a TEDx Talk. Please elaborate on this high-profile experience. Please tell us if you hired a speaking coach, how you controlled any nervousness, and anything else that may inspire other Encinitas Toastmasters to do this. (Editor’s Note: A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in less than 18 minutes. These talks are available online and often lead to lucrative, high-profile speaking opportunities).

A. Being on stage and giving a TEDx Talk has been one of my main goals since deciding I was going to become a professional speaker four years ago. My mentor and our former president, Robert Perry, gave me fantastic advice: Robert suggested that I speak at other local clubs, giving my TED talk outside our club to obtain more feedback from new sources. Giving my TEDx Talk at other clubs helped me to develop a greater comfort level with my speaking. For example, I felt more relaxed at the third club than at the first club, where I gave my speech. Before this, I had never practiced a speech at an outside Toastmasters club. Now, I belong to other TM clubs in addition to Encinitas Toastmasters.

Regarding the talk itself, I was nervous, but the first way that I controlled my stage fright was to dedicate hours and hours into practicing, including listening to my talk in my car while I was driving. As I prepared the day before, I kept reminding myself that everyone here [at the actual event] wanted the speakers to succeed and come to hear us. I was also confident that my story is unbelievable and fascinating. Most of all, I believe I can help change people’s lives by inspiring them to trust that they have the strength to overcome their adversity. I have now started enjoying all the career growth that I have seen with other TEDx speakers.

I’m still waiting for my talk to be published by TED, which should be any time now. Once my talk goes onto the TED website, I believe my marketing opportunities will be plentiful because of my NFL and financial services background.

Q. Do you recommend that other Toastmasters give TEDx Talks?

A. Definitely, if a member feels they have an “Idea worth spreading,” which is the mission of TED.

Member Spotlight: Interview with Moeko Wilson

Q&A with Moeko Wilson, Consulting Finance Senior Manager with PwC, & Secretary of Encinitas Toastmasters, IP3 (Innovative Planning, Level 3)

Moeko is an active member of Encinitas Toastmasters.

This interview was conducted virtually by Pat Rarus, DTM, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Moeko, you have been a member of Encinitas Toastmasters for a few years now. How has membership and participation improved your professional life? Are you giving more corporate presentations, for example? Details, please!

A: My initial reason for joining Encinitas Toastmasters was professional. I often gave presentations at work and would get really nervous. I wanted to become a more confident speaker and better presenter. Since then I have changed roles at my company and don’t have to present as often, but I still do from time to time. Candidly, I’m not one to volunteer to present, but if asked, I can say “yes” with confidence. 

Q. Moeko, you are a wife and mom of two elementary school children. Plus, you are involved in soccer games and other extracurricular activities. Has your Toastmasters training helped you communicate/relate better with your family, friends, and personal associates outside of work? Again, please give us details.

A: Yes, life is busy! However, I attend meetings every Thursday unless I am on vacation or have family in town. It’s my commitment to myself, and my family supports me. Everything I’ve learned from Toastmasters I can apply to my life outside of work. I have improved my communication, leadership, and listening skills. I also think it’s important for my kids to see that I can acknowledge a weakness and work hard to improve. 

Q. Moeko, you have said that the role of Evaluator in a Toastmasters’ meeting is the most difficult; still, you give great evaluations! Why is this difficult? What have you learned about giving a thorough yet kind speech evaluation?

A: While I believe being an evaluator is the hardest role in the meeting, I also find it most relevant to my corporate job. The role is difficult because you can only prepare so much in advance. It requires you to listen attentively and give feedback on the spot. At work, we are encouraged to give feedback to our teams, and I always struggled with this. I don’t like giving constructive criticism. Since the role of evaluator requires you to provide at least one area of improvement, I’m getting a lot of practice and able to apply this skill at work.

Q. Moeko, you have served as our club secretary and treasurer a few times. What have you learned from serving in these offices? Why is it important for club members to serve as an officer? After all, they are not getting paid for this responsibility!

A: I enjoy being on the Board because I can give my time to an organization that means a lot to me, and I believe our club has helped so many people. Being secretary has improved my listening skills − I have to pay attention to the entire meeting! The role of treasurer comes more naturally to me since I work in Finance. I love being part of a leadership team of an impactful organization that is 100% volunteer-based.

Q. Moeko, you are a very good speaker, yet you don’t use theatrics or flamboyance to make your point. Why is it important for speakers to be authentic when giving speeches?

A: Every speaker has their own style. I have always admired speakers who use a lot of movement and vocal variety, but then I realized that it’s not really my style. While I think it’s great that some of the speech objectives push me out of my comfort zone (e.g., use more vocal variety), I think it’s important to remain authentic so that the audience feels like they are connecting with you and not watching a performance. 

Q. Moeko, Toastmaster International offers a Youth Leadership Program (YLP) to acquaint middle-school kids with the fundamentals of Toastmasters. As a mom and a Toastmaster, why is YLP important for parents and children?

A: I remember when my kids were in kindergarten, and they had show-and-tell once a week. The school explained that show-and-tell was actually an introduction to public speaking. This blew my mind! But it makes sense. They have to pick an item and prepare in advance what they want to say about it, and then get up in front of the class and present their item. This evolves over time as they get older and have to recite poems in front of the class or give more formal presentations. Children who have the opportunity to participate in our YLP can learn tips for presenting and build their confidence while also having fun. 

Q. Thanks for your detailed answers, Moeko. Why, in your opinion, should working people – even those very busy – make the time and effort to become active Toastmasters?

A: Toastmasters is definitely one of those organizations where the more time you put into it, the more you will get out of it. We have people who sign up and then never attend meetings. You’re not going to gain any new skills by simply paying the membership fee. Make a commitment to attend meetings regularly and participate, and you will be amazed by your growth. It’s also a great way to network and make new friends. It is a wonderful community!

Member Spotlight: Interview with Gary Penn

Q&A with Gary Penn, DTM, Partner at Chameleon Collective; Global eCommerce Consultant • Interim Leader VP eCommerce / DTC / and seasoned public speaker, including contest winner of various Toastmasters International speech contests over the years.

Gary is an active member of Encinitas Toastmasters.

This interview was conducted virtually by Pat Rarus, DTM, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Gary, you are an awesome public speaker, incorporating vocal variety, impressive gestures, and even theatrics to wow your audiences. What is your advice to beginning Toastmasters who may do not yet possess your experience or your level of self-confidence?

A. My advice to all new speakers and my mentees within the club is always to get outside your comfort zone. For some folks, that might be just getting up in front of the room to present a Timer’s report during a meeting or taking on a new role like being Grammarian for a night.

These roles within Toastmasters exist for a reason: they help the operation of a meeting, yes, but more importantly, they are an opportunity to speak. For folks approaching mid-level (5+ speeches), I always encourage them to “Get outside the club.” If you have opportunities to speak in a meeting at work, or perhaps at a ceremony of some kind, or maybe even at your child’s class… lots of options abound in life! It’s nerve-wracking! I don’t mean to indicate that any of this is easy. Still, with practice comes presence and peace of mind to be able to tackle “the next.”

Q. Is it true that you once stood on your head during a speech contest? Details, please!

A. Yes! The rumors are true, and that speech was the furthest I’ve ever gotten to the global competition that crowns the Best Speaker in the World! I gave a speech for the International Speech Contest about being “addicted to yoga,” and the headstand was right toward the beginning when I was setting the scene for an epiphany that I had, which was the subject of the speech.

It was really hard to do because, at that level of contest speaking, I was wearing a suit which is not meant for yoga poses! I won the Club, Area, and Division levels and eventually competed in the Founder’s District speech contest which was an absolutely astounding level of competition. I did not win District [highest level in Toastmasters’ contests], but the memories of that competition have become lore – whenever I tell my Dad (a former professional speaker himself) that I’m struggling with a speech, he merely says, “Just stand on your head.”

Q. I understand that you recently gave three professional talks at eTail West 2022. Please tell us a little about this event and how you used your Toastmasters’ training to not only inform but also captivate your audience.

A. Per my original advice at the top of this interview, I really believe in getting “outside the club” to challenge oneself with speaking. For that reason, I began speaking at conferences (I’m an eCommerce Consultant) just about 2 years after joining Toastmasters (I joined in 2007!). eTail was fun this year because the three opportunities I was afforded to speak were of different types. One was a solo gig where I presented slides and spoke about an industry topic. This presentation was definitely something similar to the structured speeches in the [former] TM manuals.

The second was a 3-person panel discussion where the Q & A is much more akin to Table Topics. And with a panel, you have to be flexible enough to riff off of the responses of other folks on that panel. Finally, the last one was an invite I received about 5 minutes before the event started because someone else couldn’t make it. I filled in for a “fireside chat” on advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR) and cryptocurrency. This resulted in an interesting chat, but I think the guy who was scheduled probably would have been better. Still, I learned because I challenged myself to do something uncomfortable.

Q. In addition to these three speeches, how, in general, and then, specifically, has your Toastmasters’ training advanced your career?

A. I’m very driven in my career. My goal was to be a vice president (VP) by age 40. I missed this milestone by 18 months, but I didn’t beat myself up! Toastmasters were fundamental to that career trajectory. It provided me with the confidence to speak one-on-one with honest, clear, and direct language with my supervisors over the year. It also allowed me as an executive to give presentations before my various company’s employees.

These presentations were fun and engaging despite the topics often being boring. And most importantly, this corporate speaking provided me the confidence to be me unequivocally. Sometimes that comes across as ego, and the more comfortable I am, the more I find it’s necessary to humble myself – which is why it helps to get your butt kicked in a competition!

Q. Most of us will probably never become high-level paid speakers. With that in mind, what are the 5 most important Toastmasters’ principles to master when giving a business presentation?

A. First item: Humor. A presentation without humor, even if it’s something dark and emotional, is difficult to watch. Give the audience an outlet, even if just for a moment. Second: Vocals. Not necessarily voices and vocal variety but projection and clarity. Belt it out. Be unapologetically you and your audience will follow. The vocal range displays confidence and enraptures your listeners. That can also mean whispers or lower volumes when things get serious. It’s like music that accompanies a TV show or movie – it sets the scene.

Third: Keep your slides simple. If you use slides, have a few words per slide or a chart. Speak to your subject matter, not at it, and do not read it. Fourth: Be prepared. Get to your destination early, test your staging, and test your equipment. Projectors all work differently, and microphone sounds can vary, as meeting rooms are structured uniquely from each other. Lastly: Enjoy the occasion. Your audience will feed off your energy. Turn that energy into positive vibes. If you get stuck, your audience will support you. Pause and restart.

Q. Why is it important to continue as a Toastmaster even after achieving certain milestones, such as the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) status?

A. As with all things, practice makes perfect. I have been in TM for 16 years and achieved my DTM during that time. I’ve taken 2 long breaks of 6-12 months each for various reasons or because life threw me a curveball. But I always came back because speaking is an art form, and you lose that skill without practice. I’ll likely always be able to speak “well,” given how much time I’ve put into it, but the filler words come back, and the humor and off-the-cuff wit wanes. You have to keep going. Just like you have to keep moving to keep your body healthy as you age.

Q. Any other words of wisdom on how Toastmasters helps build communication and leadership skills?

A. Back to my original point: always find the next challenge, speak outside the club, and sign up when you don’t want to!

Member Spotlight: Interview with Kiran Prasad

Q & A with Kiran Prasad, Author, Teacher, Public Speaker, and VP of Mentorship for Encinitas Toastmasters

This interview was conducted virtually by Pat Rarus, DTM, also of Encinitas Toastmasters.

Q. Kiran, you are one of our club’s best speakers. Tell us your background. Were you a Toastmaster before joining Encinitas TM?

A. Thank you! Yes, I was a member of WeToasted in Portland, Oregon, in 2016 before joining Encinitas Toastmasters in 2022. With a teaching background in schools and at a university, I already had some presentation skills. However, when it came to speaking publicly, I was painfully shy. I joined Toastmasters to develop self-confidence. I was writing and publishing my first book at the time and knew I would have to give author talks. I also wanted to be able to give a speech at my son’s wedding. I managed to do all that and more, thanks to Toastmasters!

(Editor’s note): Kiran’s book, “A Mindful Move: Feel at Home Again,” was featured in the New York Times when it first debuted on Amazon. In fact, a reporter and editor of the Times reached out to ask her to contribute a column for their Meditation for Real Life series. Kiran is especially proud of writing for this well-known daily newspaper!

Q. What do you do for a living? How does communication and leadership contribute to your business success?

A. Currently, I’m a literacy specialist tutoring reading to children with dyslexia and composition writing to adults. In this role, it’s vital that I communicate well and lead my students to become great communicators themselves.

Q. How do you plan to use your Toastmasters’ speaking and leadership skills? Do you plan to become a motivational speaker? Details, please!

A. Yes, I’m in the process of embarking on a career in motivational speaking! I could never have imagined that years ago, when I felt intimidated to speak in front of even a small group of people. But it’s one thing to speak to fellow Toastmasters, and quite another to speak in front of total strangers at an unfamiliar venue. Some of the places I’ve spoken at are an international conference and a women’s empowerment seminar. Most recently, I found the courage to speak to an audience of more than 200 people at a memorial service. I’m finally confident enough to look for professional opportunities to speak on topics such as transition and overcoming loss, based on my book and relocation expertise. One of my greatest aspirations is to give a TED talk, which I now feel ready for!

Q. You serve as ETM’s VP of Mentorship, and you are doing a great job in this role. You have obviously helped new members connect with seasoned members. How has this position helped YOU personally and professionally?

A. I had always shied away from leadership until my mentor, Robert Perry, DTM (former President of Encinitas Toastmasters), encouraged me to take on such roles. He said that as a motivational speaker I would need to have some leadership skills. Well, that motivated me!

One of the skills I’ve developed as VP of Mentorship is to assertively speak out and share my opinions at board meetings, even if others might disagree. That was something I couldn’t easily do before. As it turns out, the role of VP of Mentorship was perfect for me! Having relocated so often, I can relate to the needs of newcomers. I enjoy finding mentors for new members, and even became a mentor myself. This position gave my life meaning, at a time when I felt purposeless. I love mentoring people so that they may grow into the best-possible version of themselves. In fact, I love it so much that I’m working on becoming a professional speaking and writing coach. This work would allow me to use the presentation skills that I’ve mastered at Toastmasters, as well as my writing instructor skills.

Q. What do you believe is most important for beginning speakers to learn when joining Toastmasters?

A. I believe what is essential for beginning speakers is to learn to compose a well-structured speech, overcome initial nerves, be authentic, and engage the audience (through storytelling, questions, eye contact, movement, and gestures). Higher level skills such as humor and vocal variety can then be added to this foundation.

Q. What is so special about Encinitas Toastmasters, in your opinion? Feel free to elaborate.

A. First of all, it’s one of the most professional clubs. I know that from visiting many clubs before joining this one. Guests often remark that meetings are well-organized, starting and ending on time, and that our members are diverse and welcoming.

As for our leadership, we’re honored to have four Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs), the highest designation in Toastmasters. Another point of pride is that we’ve been a President’s Distinguished Club for many years in a row. It’s an exemplary position we work hard to maintain. Clearly, the word is spreading that we’re a great club, with guests visiting us on most weeks and many quickly becoming members. I’ve invited my own friends to see why I never stop talking about Toastmasters and am committed to attending the meetings every Thursday. I’m truly proud to be a member of Encinitas Toastmasters! Come visit and see for yourself why our club is so special.