Mentoring

      In Toastmasters, most of the mentors are mentees or protégés themselves. A mentor is a member who provides guidance and support to protégé to reach his or her goals. They are positive, supportive, dependable, and caring.  Coaching is different from mentoring. Protégé in mentoring determines the tasks and steps of accomplishment. Coaching has more skill-specific involvement.

      Now, who is a protégé? A protégé is a member who seeks guidance and support from a mentor to reach his or her goals. Members with years of experience can benefit from a mentor's support as much as a new member working toward his or her first speech. Having a mentor benefits me a lot.

     In Pathways, members learn about mentorship in the “Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring” project at Level 2. There is also the Pathways Mentor Program. After completing a short-term mentorship, the skills are applied to commit to a longer, six-month mentorship. After completion of the Pathways Mentor Program, the member receives a certificate. In addition, Toastmasters and Base Camp profiles will show that the member is a designated Pathways Mentor.

Icebreaker

My intention of joining Toastmasters was to improve upon my public speaking skills.

I am a great listener, but when it comes to speaking, I have great fear. Also, when I am

in any social gathering, I have a hard time talking to people. 

In Toastmasters, we learn to become better communicators through public speaking practice and taking different leadership roles. It is a very supportive environment to practice speaking and leadership skills.

The icebreaker speech is a very memorable speech for the speaker as this is the first speech in Toastmasters. This may sometimes be very nerve-racking. In the icebreaker speech, the speaker introduces himself or herself.

I remember my icebreaker speech. I was very nervous standing behind the lectern with both hands tightly holding the table. I chose the title ‘ Close to my Heart’. I talked about my mother and how I am feeling her presence throughout my journey of life. I lost my mother when I was three, how I carry her memories through others' experiences. After my speech, I received many encouraging comments from fellow members for the delivery of my speech.

 I have given many speeches after my icebreaker speech, and I know I have a lot to improve, but my icebreaker speech is still special. 

What was your icebreaker speech like?

- Nidhi