Taking the plunge: Wellington Risk Toastmasters expand their horizons

Neil Passey knows a good thing when he sees it. After visiting a Toastmasters club just a few times as a guest, the senior manager at ANZ Wellington decided to take the plunge and bring Toastmasters into his workplace.

With the help of experienced Toastmaster Steve Preston, Neil organised a demonstration meeting to show his colleagues what Toastmasters is all about. Interest was strong and the prospective club began meeting regularly in July.

Wellington Risk Toastmasters now has 17 members. "There's a really good dedicated core of people," Neil said. "They're all from the risk department, which is only two floors [of the building]. If we opened it up to the whole office, membership would probably explode!"

Members of club in formation Wellington Risk Toastmasters

At one recent meeting, club members were entertained by an Icebreaker from new member Fiona about her love of travel. She confided that, after working in London for a while, she joined the "FILTH" - "Failed in London, trying Hong Kong".

After Fiona's Icebreaker, members discussed the CC manual and planned how they would work through the various speech projects.

Neil said that, when it comes to understanding the educational program, the guidance of other Toastmasters is invaluable.

"The local community support has been great... everyone wants to help. It's humbling."

As the club gets close to chartering, members are beginning to think about filling committee roles and getting some leadership training. Understanding the world of Toastmasters through educationals will be a priority. In the meantime, the club members are enjoying their regular public speaking practice and having fun getting to know colleagues in a different way through their speeches.