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.