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.