Governor's Toastmasters Club #3031

Curious about what goes on during one of our meetings? Check out our Visitor's Guide [PDF].

At Governor's Toastmasters, we strive to help our members reach their goals. Here's our mission statement, which we proudly display at every meeting:

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop and practice communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Printable Mission Statement

You will…
Learn to communicate more effectively
Become a better listener
Improve your presentation skills
Increase your leadership potential
Become more successful in your career
Build your ability to motivate and persuade
Reach your professional and personal goals
Increase your self confidence

How to do it…
Build speaking and leadership skills with time-tested methods
Focus on areas of interest in our self-paced curriculum
Receive suggestions fir improvement through constructive
evaluations

Toastmasters programs are…
Inexpensive
Interactive
Convenient
Friendly
Supportive

More than four million people have discovered the benefits of this proven learning formula. What are you waiting for?

How many people make New Years Resolutions every year, only to lose interest before the calendar hits February?

I know I do. Every year, I'm going to start working out regularly, keep my place cleaner and take better care of my money. But it never quite works out like that, does it?

Well, the new Governor's Club president, Meghan Padgett, who just began her duties this month, gave me some great advice at our last meeting. When I was talking about New Years Resolutions, and how I'd already messed them up, she said, "You don't have to start New Years Resolutions on New Years Day!"

So that's why I'm writing this post on Jan. 11. We're almost two weeks into 2010, but it isn't too late for you to make a pledge to yourself to become a better public speaker this year.

Communication isn't optional. It is a vital part of everything we do. And there is nothing you can do that will improve your communication skills more than joining Toastmasters.

I can personally attest to this. I've been a member of the Governor's Club since May 2009, and I've already seen dramatic improvement in my communication skills.

We meet every Thursday at noon at Oklahoma Farm Bureau, which is located at 2501 North Stiles Ave., in Oklahoma City (Map).

If you're at all interested in joining, please feel free to contact one of our club officers. With Toastmasters' helpful, fun and relaxed atmosphere, this is surely a New Years Resolution that you'll keep.

-- Jason Kersey, Vice President of Public Relations

To say that Meghan Padgett's life has been changed by her involvement with the Governor's Toastmasters Club would be an enormous understatement.

Padgett, the new president of the Governor's Club, has been a member for about two years. In that time, her communication and leadership skills have increased dramatically.

"Toastmasters has given me confidence," Padgett said. "I had never willingly stepped up to be in a leadership role unless there was no one else to do it but I've started doing just that."

Padgett's growth because of Toastmasters has extended beyond just speaking. She and those she performs for are now able to enjoy her musical talents to their full capacity.

"I've been able to share my musical abilities in performing at my church," she said. "To be able to get up in front of at least 150 people and sing, or play my cello or guitar without turning red, feeling faint, or not even performing because I'm too scared is a huge deal. I've always been too scared but now I know there's nothing to be afraid of."

She knows, though, that as a result of these new skills she has a responsibility to help others realize their potential as well. Acknowledging that will surely help her during her presidency.

"I might have something to share that will help someone else," Padgett said. "I have to be willing to share.

"I plan to be the best President I can be and continue with the excellent leadership that has been in this position before me. I want our club to continue to be as successful as possible. We have done well in the past with the goals set forth by the District and I hope for the same during my time in this office."

Padgett wants help from the club members, because she knows that part of being a leader is reaching out to those that you lead.

"I want to ask for everyone's help and their ideas for anything they would like to see in the upcoming months," Padgett said. "I'm open to suggestions for improvements. I'd also like to know if there's anything that they really love about our club. Knowing what works, what doesn't, and making changes is how we will be able to grow as a club."

-- Jason Kersey, Vice President-Public Relations