Interview

Improving Communication Skills

Tom Richardson,
International President of Toastmasters

I had the privilege of interviewing Tom Richardson, former international president of Toastmaster’s, Inc.

(WS: WriterSeries.com; TR: Tom Richardson)

WS:

When were you International President of Toastmasters?

TR:

1988 – 1989

WS:

What major challenges did you face as president?

TR:

Education in Toastmasters was easy. I faced the same challenges that clubs, areas, and districts face today: Building membership and building clubs has always been challenging.

What experiences prepared you for the position? How did they prepare you?

WS:

I have a background in teaching and coaching. My background in marketing and sales, which is part of leadership, through State Farm Insurance Company, laid a solid foundation for my work with Toastmasters. I studied: I attended workshops, took classes, read a lot. I needed to use persuasion techniques and influence. Also, I could speak and present “on my feet.”

TR:

WS:

How has your presidency shaped you since?

TR:

I worked with State Farm Insurance during my term as international president. During that time, I envisioned the “bigger picture.” My skills improved, developed, and enhanced tremendously. Experience in finance and administration strengthened me, as well, and broadened my horizons. People skills developed at the international level, which is diversity in action. I engaged in many team-building experiences, which certainly enlarged my perspectives.

WS:

If you could share one valuable lesson from your presidency with others, what would you share?

TR:

Don’t hesitate. Step out! Take risks! Take advantage of the many opportunities that Toastmasters offers. Toastmasters offers tremendous growth opportunity. I encourage all of you to work Toastmasters in your schedule. You should take on roles and responsibilities in your clubs. Work in the Area or Division. See what you can do for your District. Even if you are not a member of Toastmasters, I still tell you: Step out and take risks.

WS:

What were your top projects when you served as president?

TR:

I had a major theme: “Toastmasters Touching Tomorrow, Today.” The theme was to build leadership skills among members and watching myself and others have an impact on tomorrow. I still follow this theme in my life, for what we do today affects tomorrow.

WS:

What was key in managing the many obligations you faced while you served as president: home, business, Toastmasters, and family?

TR:

The key is good “SELF-management.” I needed to spend quality time with my family, my job, and the position in Toastmasters. Know what is important and set your priorities. Most of all, you need family support. I took my family on conventions. My wife flew with me nearly the entire 70,000 to 80,000 miles during that year. She only missed two or three trips.

WS:

What books do you recommend to our readers?

TR:

There are so many! I strongly recommend two authors: John Maxwell and Stephen Covey.

Read anything by John Maxwell. I frequently incorporate two of his concepts about “Building from the Inside Out” and “Building from the Outside.”

Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

These books and many others should be in your reference library, and you should refer to them frequently.

WS:

What is your metaphor in life?

TR:

I don’t have a metaphor, but I have a theme: “There is no Finish Line.” We all have things to do, but we can always keep going and keep growing. Many people give up way too early. My theme focuses on pushing the limits and taking life one notch higher.

WS:

What was your drive as president of Toastmasters?

TR:

I simply enjoyed watching people grow in their communication skills. I still enjoy seeing anyone grow and develop.

WS:

What advice can you give someone who may desire to become the International President?

TR:

Start on your personal development. Read. Find a mentor and be a mentor. Attend and deliver seminars and workshops. Really work hard – now and ongoing.

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