Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sally Matthews. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sally thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs in 150 countries.

Toastmasters of Rockwall is just one of thousands of Toastmasters clubs in the U.S. We did not start the Toastmasters organization; we are simply carrying on the tradition here in the Dallas area.

Personally, I love helping people who are Glossophobes (fear of public speaking), because I was one myself. It is tough in the business world without the ability to present and speak effectively. These skills can be learned even if you are painfully shy, as I was when I was young.

Sally, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As an Art Director in Advertising, client presentations were part of the job description. But I never really felt comfortable doing it. Toastmasters showed me I could become skilled at public speaking, even if I am an introvert. There are thousands of Toastmasters clubs across the U.S. and the world. Here in our little corner of DFW, Toastmasters of Rockwall likes to have fun while we learn career skills.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being shy and being an introvert doesn’t mean that Leadership is out of the question for you. Two months after joining Toastmasters of Rockwall, I was approached about running for club President. I’ve never been president of anything! They said, “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out.” And I did. About a year later, they wanted me to be an Area Director, over 4 different clubs. I’m really not qualified for that, I thought. But, well, you guessed it…I am now helping 4 clubs in the Area, so i guess I figured it out!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Word-of-mouth is one of the reasons we often hear from new members. Toastmasters also has it’s own reputation as a successful non-profit. A quick Google search on “how to improve public speaking skills” will almost surely return a Toastmasters club in your area.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToastmastersofRockwall

Image Credits

Sally Matthews, President, Toastmasters of Rockwall.