I recently met up with Jerlyn and was surprised to find that she is quitting her insurance work with Manulife and is starting a new post as a trainer with AIA. She has always wanted to be a trainer and now her dream has materialised.
Jerlyn shared with me that her activities with toastmasters' clubs have helped in a big way to land this new post. Her interviewers knew she has no experience as a trainer, but the moment they heard that she is a toastmaster, they inevitably acknowledge her potential, prowess and pleasant personality as a trainer!
Jerlyn was given 30 minutes to do her presentation before the interviewers. She managed to impress them and make them laugh. Jerlyn attributed her speaking and leadership roles in toastmasters' clubs. She is currently serving as President of her Buona Vista Toastmasters' Club and is also the Asst. Div. Gov. Education and Training (Areas U3/U4). She has often volunteered her time and talent in the areas of language of project evaluation as well. She was the second runner-up as an Evaluator in the most recent Humorous and Evaluation Contest of Areas U1 and U3.
Without a shadow of doubt, Toastmasters' Clubs are gradually getting the recognition they deserve. Employers know that when they hire a dedicated toastmaster, they can expect committment, good initiative, creativity and responsibilities.
I hope this article will encourage all toastmasters to press on with their speeches and leadership roles. Cheers to toastmastering!
Gan Chau
