L-R: Martin Daza, Lyka Aguilar, Susan Afan and Dr. Rodel LascoEffective leadership starts with effective communication. First Balfour understands that being able to deliver presentations confidently is key in effective leadership. With this thrust, the training methods of Toastmasters International were integrated into First Balfour’s Leap, Lead, Coach leadership and management development program.

On January 25, 2019, First Balfour Toastmasters Club was officially recognized by Toastmasters International.

The event was attended by guests from other clubs and First Balfour HR head Caloy Salonga. “Listen to your heart, to your thoughts, and to your audience,” he said to the club’s pioneering members.

Three points to master

He added that by listening to your heart you can calm your nerves, by listening to your thoughts you can organize them and by listening to your audience you can keep them engaged and react accordingly.

The club members were challenged to master these three points to be able to consistently convey a clear and impactful message.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that provides an avenue to enhance public speaking and leadership skills through its worldwide network of clubs. Pathways, its education program, aims to support members to reach their personal and professional goals by strengthening five core competencies: public speaking, interpersonal communication, strategic leadership, management and confidence.

Monthly meetings

Club members participate in monthly meetings that include a three-part showcase: table topics, prepared speeches, and evaluation and reports. The first part involves delivering an impromptu speech; in the second part, another set of selected speakers will deliver their prepared speeches. Feedback on the performance, timing and grammar of the speeches are reported at the end of the meeting.

The First Balfour Toastmasters Club hopes to gather more members in the coming months to create a culture that values the significance of effective communication.

LGFI president Cedie Lopez Vargas

Speaker Jennifer Viloria of IISLA Ventures

Speaker Lawrence Ang of Resonance Frontier Market Solutions