Campus Scientists Invited to Biosciences Toastmasters Open House

At Biosciences Toastmasters, our club motto is "Speak Your Science." Many of us in the STEM fields don't learn effective communication skills when we cut our teeth pipetting in a laboratory or working with supercomputers, but these skills are important if we are to become confident presenters and effective leaders. 

If you're interested in improving your speaking skills and confidence when presenting science-related topics, you are invited to a virtual open house hosted by the Biosciences Toastmasters club on Friday, March 19, from 1-2 p.m. 

As a group of scientists and science lovers, we always have exciting research to share, and our members do a fantastic job of explaining how their research will benefit the general public. We've learned about cancer detection, artificial heart devices and advances in medical transport, new infectious diseases that are on the rise, novel crop breeding technologies, fire and building safety, the danger of extinction of bananas and what supercomputers can do for us.

Not all speeches presented are hard-core science. We've learned about entrepreneurship for scientists, birdwatching and even thrill-seeking pastimes. There have been presentations on using yoga or power posing to promote calmness and confidence while speaking. Some of the most moving presentations have been first-hand accounts of the challenges of life as a transgender person, and commentaries on the importance of being ecological stewards for our planet.

Such speeches push us to think differently and change our behaviors, and to share our new awareness with others. It’s a good feeling to recognize "aha" moments in the faces of your audience when you've prompted them to consider points of view they may not have previously been exposed to.

Meetings are lively, and impromptu speaking segments are varied and enjoyable. Club members help each other prepare for professional talks and speaking competitions, and often attend these presentations to lend moral support. No matter where your career takes you, Toastmasters helps members become more effective speakers and leaders.

"Toastmasters helped me transform myself from a shy computer programmer who avoided speaking in front of others to someone who loves to give presentations. Now I'm confident that I'm having a greater impact in projects I'm involved in, and I've learned how to help others who want to become more memorable speakers," said Susan J. Miller, retired deputy director for the University of Arizona Data Science Institute. "Communication and listening skills can continually be improved, and Toastmasters is a fun and supportive arena in which to do so."

Even if you're not planning a career with a lot of public speaking, practice in speaking off the cuff can help prepare us to excel in all areas of life.

"I credit this club with keeping my skills sharp as I prepared for job interviews and presentations in meetings," said Anna C. Christensen, communications consultant for the University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Communications. "Biosciences Toastmasters helps me be more comfortable in front of an audience and gives me a space to explore leadership roles, and its supportive members keep me accountable as I work toward my goals."

Give Toastmasters a try and you’ll see just how creative and enjoyable Speaking Your Science can be! Email sjmiller@email.arizona.edu to get a Zoom link to the Biosciences Toastmasters Open House on March 19 from 1-2 p.m.