Hi, my name is Mark Perrin and I am proud to have been elected President of Solent Speakers, part of Toastmasters International. My message for my period of office is 'Participate to Accumulate'.
Solent Speakers provides a warm, friendly environment for people from diverse backgrounds to develop public speaking, listening, communication and leadership skills.
My message 'Participate to Accumulate' is the key point I have learnt from my experience with Solent Speakers, as outlined below.
In February 2005 I decided to pay my first visit to Solent Speakers. I did so because I witnessed my friend's astonishing transition from a nervous and reluctant public speaker into a confident and charismatic speaker. This came as a direct result of being a member of Solent Speakers. The welcome I received and the culture I experienced was uplifting, encouraging and the evening was inspirational.
I joined as a member and immediately recognised it was part of my role to contribute to the warm and friendly culture that underpins Solent Speakers - something that all members are passionately committed to. Our members have seen many nervous and reluctant speakers flourish within the club.
I was allocated a mentor as part of the club's mentoring scheme, which I have found incredibly beneficial. The mentoring scheme has really aided my personal development and that of my fellow members.
As time has progressed I put more energy into Solent Speakers and have accumulated enhanced presentation, communication and leadership skills and also matured as a person. The key was 'Participation' hence my message is 'Participate to Accumulate'.
My development has been substantially aided by the extraordinary talent and generous support that is brought to the club by my fellow members. My warm thanks go out to all members for your continued support.
All guests receive a warm and friendly welcome to any of our club meetings. Whether you are a reluctant speaker wanting to overcome nerves or wanting to develop into an experienced presenter, Solent Speakers will provide you with the friendly, supportive environment and experience to help you succeed.
Remember 'Participate to Accumulate'.
We learn and grow and are transformed not so much by what we do but by why and how we do it (Sharon Salzberg)
