Without a doubt, the job market is highly competitive. And, as unemployment continues to rise, job seekers are looking for new ways to be noticed. Stamano Toastmasters has an answer. It is taking the age-old skill of public speaking and tailoring it to the job interview.
It comes in the form of a free 10-week program beginning in January in Stanwood that focuses on improving communication skills relevant to job interviews. Although the program targets unemployed people and those who are looking for a job change, anyone is eligible to participate and you do not need to become a member of Toastmasters.
Generally, most Toastmasters groups focus on improving public speaking skills by practicing how to give and critique speeches. The new Speechcraft program Stamano Toastmasters is hosting will do that and more.
The crux of the class is to give job seekers a big edge in today’s competitive job market. “You really have to stand up or stand out,” said Eleanor Guderian, program coordinator and Vice President of Education for Stamano Toastmasters. That is what this program is aiming for.
Although improving public speaking skills grounds the class, it is much more about building confidence in a job interview. Participants will become more self-assured by learning how to prepare for those tough interview questions. Experienced trainers will cover a variety of communication techniques and topics to help develop that confidence.
John Shaffer, a retired United Methodist minister and long-time participant of Toastmasters, will help teach the program. He says participants will leave the program knowing how to speak skillfully in a job interview. “Our primary goal is to help people feel more comfortable in settings where they might otherwise be uncomfortable,” he said. It’s crucial to respond well and spontaneously to unknown topics in a job interview, he said.
Guderian said practice is key to any successful job interview. In the program, participants will practice responding to simple questions and practice speaking about different topics. They will practice one-on-one interviews, and to help strengthen their own skills, participants will learn to evaluate the speaking ability of others.
Using effective words and body language will be part of the class, too. When done right, these skills can help persuade a potential employer that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
Instead of selling yourself to the company with over-the-top bragging, Toastmasters trainers will teach you how to talk about yourself without being obnoxious. Some might call this personal branding, but it’s about telling the potential employer what unique value you can bring to the company. Doing it correctly goes a long way in helping you stand out from your competitors and building your credibility as a potential employee.
Giving an effective presentation in the workplace is a skill that many employers require. Sally Stomberg, who works in the marine industry, always felt nervous before giving presentations to her senior managers. She joined Toastmasters not knowing what to expect.
After just five months in Stamano Toastmasters, Stomberg’s presentations have improved. “I feel more confident when I have to give a presentation,” she said. Recently, she experienced the same confidence in a job interview.
We all know that job interviews can be nerve-racking. The program will teach people how to prepare and stay positive. “So you can speak when you are frightened to death,” Guderian said.
Another topic covered will be organizing a cover letter and resume. Guderian will coach participants on how to write their own materials. “It’s important what you say and how you say it in a resume,” she said. “It does get you an audience.”
A supportive environment is paramount to the success of any Toastmasters program. This friendly setting will go a long way toward helping participants strengthen their speaking skills. “It’s a completely supportive, safe environment to help overcome fear of public speaking,” said Peggy Burr, president of Stamano Toastmasters and financial advisor for Edward Jones. It does not matter if you are speaking to one, two or 50 people, it’s a necessary skill, she said.
Burr will be training part of the Speechcraft program as well. “This training will give participants the confidence to face the unexpected in a job interview,” she said.
Leadership skills also are part of the Speechcraft program. “Anytime you are developing speaking skills, you are developing leadership skills,” Guderian said. When you are confident in speaking, it convinces others to be confident in you.
Stamano Toastmasters leaders are offering the free program as a response to the rising unemployment in their local community.
“This is a way for Toastmasters to give back to the community,” Guderian said. She encouraged people who are committed to finding a new job to consider the program.
Sally Stomberg reflects on her positive Toastmasters experience and encourages people to check it out. Come to the first meeting, see what happens, and ask questions, she advised.
The program will run for 10 weeks beginning Jan. 15. Meetings are Thursdays from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW in Stanwood. Pre-registration is required for the class.
People interested in registering or finding out more about the Speechcraft program, are invited to send their name, e-mail address and phone number to stamano.toastmasters@yahoo.com.
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