I have noticed a disturbing trend in the Toastmasters clubs that I am active. A new member will join, give a speech or two, and then send an e-mail that says, “I am sorry, but I just don’t have the time for Toastmasters anymore.”
The irony of these e-mails is that they tend to come from people that would benefit the most from being an active member. I have collected some excuses that people use and want to present some ideas on the meaning behind the excuses.
I don’t have time for Toastmasters
Did you know that Toastmasters can make you more efficient in managing your time? By working with the Vice President of Education, you can plan out when you are going to give your first ten speeches and when you are going to do your first ten Competent Leader projects. Doing this will demonstrate how to effectively make time for meetings, roles, and projects in your life.
I am not advancing as quickly as I wanted to in Toastmasters
In Toastmasters, you only get out what you put in. Have you put the time in preparing and practicing your speeches? Have you been proactive in scheduling roles on the club calendar? Have you served as a club leader? Have you asked someone for feedback on where you are now compared to when you joined? If you answered no to any of these questions, then you might not have put anything into your club, so how do you expect to get anything out?
It’s Not the Right Time in My Life
Really . . . when is it ever going to be? For any activity in you life, there might never be a right time. There will always be work, family, and other issues that can be used as excuses to not doing something. In many cases, these excuses are nothing more then an excuse for your fear of improving. Where else will you find a supporting environment for improvement? No where that I know of.
What excuses have you heard?
Depending on your length of time in the organization, you might have heard similar excuses or many more. What have you heard? What do you think the reason is behind the excuse? How can a club overcome them to keep the people that need this organization?
Let us know in the comments.
About the Author: My Toastmasters Blog is written and edited by Chris Elliott, the founder of the young professional coaching site Young Profit Pros. Chris enjoys using his knowledge and experiences during his speaking engagements, workshops, consulting projects, and one-on-one coaching sessions. The result—connecting people and empowering change. If you would like information on how you can bring Chris to speak to your next meeting, please download Chris' one sheet or contact him by clicking here.
Hi Chris
have noticed that all our clubs in London are getting lots of visitors at the moment – people are getting the message that Toastmasters is a good way to enhance crucial skills particularly in difficult economic times.
I was suprised by some people who did not renew membership at my club – main reason given was that they are too busy. Of course they are also people for whom giving presentations and pitching for business is vitally important…so not sure they have quite done the Math! We are still in contact. Can only hope they will be back in due course.