A little bit over one year ago, I arrived in the UK. After a life time of being conditioned what I should and should not be doing, I came to the UK to pursue a new job and to build a new life.
Moving from Vodafone Egypt to Vodafone Group in the UK I was appointed to be a service manager, a role where I will have a team to lead, presentations to make, and studies to prepare, I needed to take my personality and my confidence to a whole new level.
I joined Toastmasters back in March 2016, and I was hooked, I originally joined Newbury Speakers club, and soon after I decided to join Ascot Speakers as well.
My main focus throughout my Toastmasters journey was stage time, as much stage time As I can get, speeches, roles, and in no time, I was appointed VP Education for Ascot speakers.
When I heard about the humorous speech contest, I decided “I want in” I started preparing my speech a little bit over two months before the contest. I incorporated a lot of my travel experiences into it, in a respectful non-offensive way.
I just wanted to enjoy the experience. I entitled in my speech “Around the world in six minutes-ish”. I spoke about my observation that every accent seems to have a weird relationship with one letter, and also about the different interpretations for a certain hand gesture.
And to my surprise I won the club contest in Newbury !!!!! Hang on a min !! I I did not expect that.
Furthermore, the Area 46 contest was only a few days away, I felt thrilled, humble, and overwhelmed.
Stepping on to the stage at the area contest, I had only one thing in mind, to enjoy my time while by putting smiles on the faces.
And I won second place, and I was like “oh my God that’s huge”.
Joining Toastmasters was one of the most real rewarding experiences I ever had, such open-minded people, non-judgmental, and very supportive.
On a personal level, I became a much more sociable person, and for work I’m a person who has instant impact as a positive team member, with stakeholders, and everyone I encounter in life. And I owe this to Toastmasters.
Noor Fayad
Newbury Speakers and Ascot Speakers
Last Updated on 7th October 2020 by Susan Rayner
Well done Noor very inspiring. Keep up the good work and I wish you all the best.
Regards
Mohammed Al Bayati
VPPR
London Cardinals