INTERNATIONAL public speaking organization Toastmasters Club (TMC) has revived its chapter in UST to “provide a good avenue for Thomasians where they can develop their skill to speak well and the confidence to speak up.”
Nine years after the demise of the first UST-TMC, which was established in 1995, the organization was relaunched last November 13 at the Beato Angelico Auditorium.
“I do not question the ability of Thomasians to speak well. But I feel that they need to speak up more,” said UST-TMC President Pia Tenedero, a professor from the Alfredo M. Velayo-College of Accountancy.
The first UST-TMC did not last long because of conflicting schedules among its members, she said. The revival of the club serves as a contribution of the English department to the 400th anniversary of the University, she added.
“I want UST to be known as a hub of good public speakers—those who know how to speak and use the right words, as well as to earn accolades for the University,” she said.
While not recognized by the Office for Student Affairs, the club is open to all members of the Thomasian community. Interested applicants do not need to undergo screening. They just need to apply for membership, attend meetings, and pay fees.
The organization has so far recruited 22 members, 20 of which are University professors, while the other two are students from Accountancy and the College of Commerce and Business Administration.
“[Through Toastmasters], we know that we will eventually have a generation of Thomasian educators, college students, and staff who can speak well with the organization’s brand of skill and confidence,” Tenedero said.
Toastmasters’ international policies require club members to deliver 10 speeches to gain a higher ranking. The levels are toastmaster, competent communicator, advanced communicator bronze, advanced communicator silver, advanced communicator gold, and distinguished toastmaster, respectively.
