Instructor encourages students, faculty to get up in front
of peers and speak through new on-campus organization
(posted Sept. 2, 2008)
by Megan Burrough
Pam Hopkins, an instructor in the School of Communication, is bringing a new club to ECU to help students—both majors and non majors—not only get over their fear of public speaking but learn how to excel at it.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that helps its members to improve communication and leadership skills. Soon, thanks to Hopkins, those on the ECU campus will have their own chapter.
But the club is not just for students.
“I am starting a club here at ECU because I would love to get more students, faculty members and staff members involved in working on their public speaking skills,” explained Hopkins, who has been a member of Toastmasters of Greenville since 2005.
Hopkins says she herself has benefited from her membership in the Greenville chapter.
“I have always believed that if I am going to teach a subject, then I need to be an expert in that subject,” Hopkins related. “Joining Toastmasters provided an avenue for me to continue to work on my speaking skills and to make sure that I am at the top of my game. I deliver speeches there and receive an evaluation, and that helps me remember how my students might feel when they receive a grade.”
The ECU chapter of Toastmasters will be student-run. Students will be voted in by their peers and will hold offices. Members will pay dues and participate in giving speeches to not only Toastmasters but also other clubs.
In a typical Toastmasters meeting, three to four prepared speeches are given by members. Each member receives two manuals when they join: One is the speaking manual, and it contains the requirements for each of the 10 speeches a member must complete to earn the title of Competent Communicator. After completing the first manual, a number of Advanced manuals can be completed for additional designations. After the prepared speeches, are Table Topics. These are impromptu speeches that help members learn to think and speak on their feet.
“I think Toastmasters could and would benefit anyone,” said Hopkins, adding that some people will turn down a promotion or won’t even apply for a job that requires speaking in public, and that others struggle with it in various ways. “Almost every career now stresses the importance of outstanding communication skills."
