Keeping a club going takes just a bit of effort as I’m sure many of you know, and toastmasters of course isn’t any different. Public relations is just one of the advanced communication skills that you can work towards, giving you the opportunity and confidence to demonstrate your speaking skills at a new level. Many hurdles are jumped at Shropshire speakers meaning that the public relations team at Shropshire Speakers is always growing.
“Grab the bull by the horns”
Sam Warner took the bull by the horns and arranged to promote the club BBC Radio Shropshire. Jim Hawkins the mid morning presenter interviewed her for about 10 minutes back in December to find out what the group was all about.
If Sam were to be evaluated on her public relations performance I think she would have received excellent feedback. The interview was well paced, clear, encompassing all the points and questions that listeners may be pondering on or wanting to ask. Sam answered all of Jim’s questions with appropriate seriousness and humour highlighting that while the group is structured we do have fun. Sam is working through her Advanced communication public relations book and just as with other advanced communication topics has a number of projects to achieve.
It was great that she was then able to follow up her ‘On Air’ Radio experience by inviting Jim to attend a meeting at the Ramada in Telford. This was to be interviewed again by Jim but so she could be evaluated. Having a member interviewed by a radio presenter in front of an audience I think was a first for the club.
Jim briefly interviewed a few members during the recess to find out what members got from the group, so we may be broadcast at some point in the future during his daily show from 9-12 Mon-Fri.
As VPPR I asked Jim what he thought of the experience. He hadn’t been to a toastmasters group before and as many other guests often say to us, he didn’t realise it would be so structured, but how efficiently the evening runs. Thanks Jim.
Having a structure shouldn’t be seen as a negative don’t let the word put you off. You’re always welcome to try, try, try before you buy.
Hear you soon.