Judy Southwick is not like most people. She actually enjoys speaking in front of people. That love of speaking led her to Toastmasters, an organization that bolsters speaking skills.
But beyond the sheer fun of it, Southwick recommends membership in Toastmasters and other groups because they build all sorts of skills. Being active in any number of organizations can help the administrative assistant, professionally.
Membership Has Its Benefits
Activity in a professional organization delivers many skills for the admin.
"Toastmasters provides confidence," says Southwick, an international Toastmasters director who represents Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, the Dakotas, and two Canadian provinces.
Better yet, Southwick got promotions and more money because her speaking skills made her more marketable. It also has helped her work life because she can tap into a worldwide network of other Toastmasters members for help.
"It's helped my pocketbook and networking," she says.
Toastmasters meetings typically involve some of its members giving prepared speeches, and also delivering off-the-cuff, impromptu speeches, building quick thinking skills.
