Founded in 2005, the College of Business Toastmasters at Illinois State is designed to help students gain useful communication skills pertinent to success after graduation. This organization consists of students from all grade levels (freshmen through graduate students) and ethnic backgrounds. Our club focuses on creating the foundation for long-term success with public speaking, communication, and leadership skills.
The following is a question-and-answer session with Toastmasters Club Past President Ben Rippel.
Q: What is the focus of the Toastmasters?
A: The Focus of Toastmasters is to help guide students to excel in giving presentations, leadership, and confidence in communication.
Q: What leadership opportunities does Toastmasters have?
A: There are many positions available on our executive board, including president, vice president of education, vice president of membership, vice president of relations, treasurer, secretary and sergeant-at-arms.
Q: What other opportunities and benefits are there of being a member of Toastmasters?
A: Toastmasters is a great opportunity to increase your confidence in public speaking in front of a group of students who are more than willing to help. You gain presentation skills as well as learn new information every meeting. There are networking opportunities with other Toastmasters clubs throughout the community from Country Financial to State Farm.
Q: What kind of community can one expect in Toastmasters?
A: We pride ourselves in having a friendly environment where students can grow as young professionals. Suggestions on ways you can better your presentation skills are explained in gracious methods where one can truly learn how they can improve in public speaking.
Q: What is your favorite part about Toastmasters?
A: My favorite part about Toastmasters is members willing to share information about themselves, goals, and interests through speeches. It is a great way to get to know these things about other members you may not have known. It opens people up to a number of different diverse communities, which makes the club run on a high note.
Q: When and where does Toastmasters meet?
A: The Toastmasters Club meets Fridays at 11 a.m. in 132 State Farm Hall of Business.
New members are always welcome to join at any time throughout the year. For more information, contact the incoming President Logan McVey.
