Journey to Effective Coaching

An online speech contest using ZOOM. The spread of corona virus (Covid-19) has changed the global landscape overnight. Governments have rightly put restrictions on social gathering that impacted everyone, including Toastmasters. Things that were unheard of suddenly became a reality. Online meetings and online contests are examples of this reality. Toastmasters International has authorized districts to conduct online contests. District 20 took the initiative early on to encourage its members to continue meetings and contests online. This guide is for contestants to level the playing field and to ensure every contestant gets a fair chance to progress to the next level based on the quality of their speech and delivery, and to ensure it is not impacted by the technological limitations. You have your speech ready and you are qualified for Area, Division or District contest. The contest will be hosted online. How do you prepare? Start at the beginning by getting familiar with th...

Online meeting view. As we grapple with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in 2020, and working from home (and meeting online), what does it take to create the right environment for a great online meeting? 1. Connectivity: A strong internet connection is the starting point. Without stable and fast internet connection, it will always be a struggle. Find the right plan (wired or wireless) that works for you. 2. Lighting: Find a place with good (and even lighting). This is generally next to a window, with you r face facing the light. If you will have meetings when it is dark, then arrange suitable indoor lighting. LED lights are cheap and work well. In this setup, I placed my table facing the window. During the daytime, I get excellent light by simply opening the curtains. When it is dark, I switch on some extra lights. Any standard LED lamps placed close to the subject will work. Lighting Setup.  3. Video: The built-in cameras on laptops and phones are good enough for dec...

" A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. "   -  Martin Luther King, Jr. The first project in Level 3 of Effective Coaching is a workshop on 'Building Consensus'. This is the first serious project in Pathways from the Effective Coaching Path. Instead of delivering a speech, the project expects the member to choose an idea and work with a group to get their buy-in for the idea. During the process of reaching consensus, group members work together to form an agreement that is supported by all parties. This method of decision making promotes participation and a greater sense of ownership in both the process and the outcome. A member can complete this project using 2 different methods. The choice of method is up to the member. Method 1: Apply the techniques of consensus building by leading a group of people at a club meeting in 20 minutes. Choose a topic that will offer you and the group a challenge but avoid ...

" A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you. "   -  Bob Proctor The third project in Level 2 of Effective Coaching is an Introduction to Toastmasters mentoring. Mentoring is an integral part of a Toastmaster journey. In the traditional Toastmaster program, mentoring is a key role to build confidence and ensure projects are delivered as defined in the objectives. The Pathways program refines the mentoring process further, by making a clear distinction between 'coaching' and 'mentoring'. Coaching focuses on short-term accomplishments of a single goal or the development of a single skill (for example vocal variety). Mentoring focuses on long-term multiple-goals. The project also introduces the new terminology ' protégé' in place of 'mentee'.  The objectives of this project are simple.  Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time wh...

" The art of communication is the language of leadership."   -  James Humes The second project in Level 2 of Effective Coaching is "Understanding your communication style". This project includes a survey with 12 questions that you have to answer from a list of 4 possible choices.  For example, one of the question in the survey is:     When working on a Project, I am:    a-Enthusiastic    b-Ambitious    2-Purposeful    3-Persistent Based on your responses to all 12 questions, you are presented with your communication profile. Toastmasters International categorizes communication into 4 distinct categories (Direct, Initiating, Analytical and Supportive) Similar to the Leadership Style , the take-home message from this exercise is that every individual has some elements of all communication styles. Some styles are more dominant than others and may change based on the situation. A...

" Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."   - Peter Drucker District 20 Convention 2018 - Award for Best Video. Level 2 of Pathways explores subjects that are relevant in a business place. This level may prove uncomfortable for members who join Toastmasters only to enhance their public speaking skills.  The first project in Level 2 is "Understanding your leadership style". This project includes a survey with 48 questions that you have to answer with a rating scale of 0 to 3.  For example, one of the question in the survey is:    I consistently provide others with positive feedback. Your response to this question should be one of the following options:    0-Not at all    1-Slightly    2-Moderately    3-Completely Based on your responses to all 48 questions, you are presented with your leadership profile. TMI categorizes leadership into 8 distinct categori...