PUBLIC SPEAKING TRAINING: MERIT TOASTMASTERS CLUB PARTNERS LAGOS MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

… Charges Public Affairs Officers On Self-development  

Public Affairs Officers in the Lagos State Public Service have been encouraged to embrace and develop the art of public speaking for effective performance in their primary responsibility
The charge was given when the Merit Toastmasters Club, an arm of  Toastmasters International in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Strategy, hosted a public speaking demonstration meeting at the Ministry’s conference room on Thursday.

In his remarks at the event themed: ” Self- Development”, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso harped on the need for Public Affairs Officers to hone their public speaking skills, adding that it adds to their credibility.

In a similar vein, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle noted that public speaking is serious business, and the conversation should continue even after the demonstration event advising Public Affairs Officers to key into the initiative as there is so much they can gain.

Delivering his welcome address, the President, Merit Toastmasters Club, TM  Rasaq Odejayi noted that Self-Development is about developing oneself and taking deliberate steps of growth, urging Public Affairs Officers to continue to take self-development courses, reading books and never settling into a comfort zone
“For 100 years, Toastmasters International has helped over 4 million people develop their public speaking skills. Our community also helps connect people with like minds”, he said.

While explaining the early beginnings of the organisation, a member of Merit  Toastmasters Club, Communication Coach and Author of the Book: “Elevate your Expression”,  TM Craig Esowhode, who doubled as the meeting’s Grammar Doctor, said that Toastmasters International was established in Colorado, USA in 1924 and recently clocked 100 years old which is a remarkable feat.    

On her part, a past President of the Club, TM Rashisat Saliu-Bello, who served as the Toastmaster of the day, noted that Toastmasters International helps members develop the Art of Communication and Leadership skills.

TM Funmi Omotoso, also a past President of the Club added that the demonstration meeting had three elements – How to speak off the cuff (Extempore), Prepared speeches, and Evaluation segments – while the Division Director and General Evaluator, TM Ayotola Olanrewaju, added that public speaking goes beyond just speaking English or facing the crowd  as it entails stringing words and crafting them properly,
The high point of the demonstration meeting was the quartet of Public Affairs Officers Sunkanmi Olasunkanmi, Aderonke Anifowoshe, Tinuola Kolade and Peju Salami spoke on extempore topics and were thereafter evaluated by the Immediate Past Area Director of the club, TM Yusuf Apena.

Apena, while commending their efforts and confidence, urged them to make judicious use of the stage and word for the day next time, adding that they should also endeavour to speak within the allotted time.

At the end of the demonstration meeting, Tinuola Kolade of the Social Media Department, Ministry of Information and Strategy was voted the Intending Toastmaster of the Day while the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle presented her with a ribbon on behalf of the club.

In the same vein, TM Rashidat Saliu-Bello noted that the Toastmasters Learning Programme is ongoing and enjoined PAOs to take advantage of the opportunity to join the club, adding that their District Director would love to attend the first meeting to be organised by the Ministry.

In attendance at the demonstration meeting were top management staff of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, including the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle; Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji; Director of Strategy Centre, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi and Director of Social Media, Dr. Jide Atansuyi.
Others include the Director-General, Lagos State Records, and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, Public Affairs Officers, members of the Merit Toastmasters Club, and guests.