Toasting to successful public speaking

by Tech. Sgt. Zachary Rutledge
HQ AFFSA/A4MR

6/20/2014 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- One way to become a confident and skilled public speaker is through repetition. The Fussa Speakers Toastmasters Club gives its members exactly that -- plenty of practice.

For 40 years, the club has been strengthening its members' public speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure, non-retribution atmosphere. It continues this tradition at 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. every 2nd and 4th Friday each month at the Yokota Base Library's conference room.

"The FSTC is associated with Toastmasters International, and is one of more than 120 English-speaking clubs throughout Japan," said Mr. Michael Breazell, 374th Communications Squadron resources supervisor and FSTC division governor. "Today, you can't be a good leader without strong communication skills, so our club offers a supportive and fun environment to hone those skills."

The local club is tied directly to Toastmasters International, which has approximately 340,000 members in more than 30,000 clubs and 120 countries.

Breazell said the club could even help advance enlisted and officer military careers. FSTC members are often requested to speak at events such as commander's calls and briefings, allowing for experience-gaining opportunities.

"The FSTC has helped me a lot since I first joined in 2013," said Thomas Eaton, FSTC member. "Not only was I enthusiastically welcomed to the group and had the opportunity to fine-tune my public speaking skills, I have also competed in two international speech contests against other clubs in the region and that was really exciting!"

The ability to speak clearly and confidently can help propel military members to the next level in their careers. If interested in joining the FSTC, email the organization at fussatoastmasters@gmail.com.