The Ole Miss Toastmasters, a public speaking club, will celebrate its third year on campus this June.
The toastmasters group promotes communication and leadership skills and is open to students, faculty and staff, welcoming members at all levels of experience.
Deetra Wiley, who works in the Office of Information Technology as a systems analyst and business communications specialist, has served two terms as Toastmasters’ vice president of membership. Wiley said she appreciates her position because it allows her to promote the club, interact with guests and establish stronger relationships with existing members.
Ole Miss Toastmasters was chartered on June 12, 2013, and Wiley joined around this time while also acting as joint member of the city of Oxford’s Tallahatchie Toastmasters group.
Wiley earned her master’s degree in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2012, and during the same year, she began her ascent in earning top honors from the organization. First, it was the “Competent Communicator” education award. Later, in March 2015, she received the “Advanced Communicator Bronze” distinction and then “Competent Leader” in September of 2015.
Wiley said she has plans to work toward becoming a “Distinguished Toastmaster,” the highest honor within the organization, which demonstrates a superior level of leadership and communication skills. She hopes to achieve her goal by 2018.
“Always push yourself to new heights,” Wiley said. “It’s when you’re not pushing that you may be digressing or failing.”
A typical toastmasters meeting consists of three member speeches averaging seven minutes in length, which are evaluated by a designated club member. Other activities in a club meeting are outlined by an agenda set by club officers.
Wiley said toastmasters is an ideal place for anyone who feels uncomfortable in front of audiences, as well as those who already are polished speakers.
Mentors are available to help facilitate progress at any level of accomplishment, she said, as well as constructive feedback provided to encourage further success.
“Whatever weakness or strength you may have when it comes to speaking, presenting or leading, we can help push you to greater heights,” she said.
Wiley said the group provides members with the opportunity to become effective leaders by letting them assume different leadership roles in club meetings.
Catherine Hultman, who works for the University’s Distance Education Testing Lab, is a two-year member of toastmasters and currently serves as the club vice president of public relations. In her position, Hultman said she is responsible for publicizing the group to prospective members.
Hultman said there are a number of reasons anyone should join the club. For her, joining Toastmasters was about finding a social network.
Hultman said the University’s Toastmasters club comprises a diverse group of people with a common set of goals, from private business owners to international students who are trying to perfect their English-speaking skills.
“Toastmasters Club is a really fun and supportive group of people,” Hultman said.
Toastmasters’ members meet the second and fourth Thursday of every month in Holman Hall. Prospective members are invited to attend club meetings as guests. Members are required to pay semi annual dues and a new member fee.
There are approximately 20 Toastmasters members in the University’s club and approximately 12 attend club meetings, dependent on individual members’ schedules, Hultman said.
“I think Toastmasters is a good resource for students to have better skills in communication,” Hultman said.
– Annabelle Knef
