Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dixon]

I was thinking about joining a Toastmasters class. I was wondering if there are Toastmasters here who feel it helped develop themselves professionally as teachers.

[tacoman]

I belonged to Toastmasters and finished my first 10 speeches. I would say join it. The confidence and skill you obtain through Toastmasters will help with any age-group you teach. If it is an option, join it. After I have studies Korean for long enough I will search for a Korean speaking Toastmasters club (if such a thing exists!)...

[Milwaukiedave]

It's funny you mention it....myself and another teacher are planning on starting a Toastmasters Club on our campus. When I was in college I did Toastmasters for awhile. I have no idea how it will go over on our campus, but we are hoping to get at least 10-12 students involved.

[jhuntingtonus]

As an ATM-B with nine years as a member and one as a club president, I say yes too. Teaching IS public speaking, and the TM (over?)emphasis on humor and entertainment is valuable to you as a teacher.

[Spike]

I've been interested in joining in the past, but have been told that it's basically a money-wasting cult... (not my words)

One girl mentioned how she was afraid to be served kool-aid after attending a few.

[tfunk]

[djsmnc]

[Trip]

Here is a thread about Toastmasters in Korea:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2334594#2334594

Toastmasters will improve your communication on stage and off stage, your leadership with groups and organizing meetings and events, and your networking in Korea.

Each Toastmasters club is different. There are some I would never go to due to lack of common ground with the members. There are others that I would recommend to everyone. 99% of the time, the people are there to improve themselves professionally and/or to help others. Plus most like to hit the bar after the meeting because they are social people.

Membership for 6 months is 21 USD and everything you do is voluntary. That's up to cult standards, right?


About starting a TM club on campus...First, to be chartered, you have to have 20 members willing to pay regular dues and the cost of chartering the club (one-time fees, but pricey for students). You can run TM meetings without being chartered, but you won't be recognized by HQ. Second, all your members have to be 18 years old (western age). Third, people who have experience in student clubs, or students in regular clubs, in Korea will tell you the lifespan and dedication of Korean students is short due to their HW and student club obligations, especially once final exams come along.

[Dixon]

[Trip]

[MollyBloom]

I know some people in the TM in Seoul....north of the river, but I am not sure which district they hail from. They are pretty involved and love it. Not cult-ish at all.

[Hawkeye Pierce]

[Trip]

[languistic]

[languistic]