Many Filipino youths are typically shy. That would not be such a big deal except that in multicultural Canada it is a handicap. Shyness is an issue in self-confidence, an inadequacy in social skills, that places the person in a position of disadvantage, and that hinders the enjoyment of daily life. Naturally it is a big concern to parents of shy kids.
Fortunately there is help out there. For those who care enough, or to help improve your youth’s esteem and assertiveness, you only need to ask around. The School Guidance Counsellors and many service organizations and community centres are your first good bets.
For one family they found out about Markham’s’ Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program. Grade 11 student of St. Augustine High School in Unionville- Vinnie Sanchez, took the free after-school course for over two months. The class finally held their commencement rites at Fr. McGivney High School on May 17, 2008. As their son faced the crowd confidently to deliver his graduation speech, his parents saw how much more assured and improved he had become.
The Toastmasters course is a speaking program for people that seek to build self-confidence in their communication and leadership skills. “The first meeting was awful because I found it difficult to speak loud and clear in front of people who were strangers to me,” says Vinnie of the experience. But because he was determined to help himself he did not give up and instead made an effort to attend every class. “The pressure- man, was it overwhelming! However it seemed that after each session I learned new ways to express myself with more clarity and control. It got me hooked so I did not want to miss any session. In the end it wasn’t as bad as I expected to be. I made new friends and had lots of fun,” he added.
At Vinnie’s class the students came from diverse cultural backgrounds and schools, and live in the different neighbouring communities. While many were beginners some already had taken a previous YLP course. Oftentimes the experienced students helped the greenhorns come out of their shells, serving as role models and mentors. Toastmasters Club volunteers guided them through the course. Classes were held at the Markham Police Station Hall.
“At the graduation ceremony and the final speech I was supposed to prepare for both my Toastmaster peers, staff and parents. I was nervous yet very excited. It was a new challenge to face a bigger crowd. There was free food- that was a bit of incentive. As I concluded my speech, the applause from the audience was unbelievable; it was louder than the ones from our regular classes. That loud applause was etched forever in my mind. I never felt more confident and so happy at any moment in my entire young life. That Toastmasters course was definitely a good and defining experience and I am all changed and certainly have become better because of it,” Vinnie said.
Vinnie’s parents- Roberto and Susana Sanchez- stand by the TYL Program. “It is a great supplementary course to the schools in unlocking the kids’ potentials and teaching them the skills to communicate effectively,” says Roberto who himself has benefited from the practical experience afforded by a Toastmasters adult speaking course. “It helps overcome shyness and nervousness, helps in organizing your ideas for a better presentation, and generally improves your group dynamics. Now I can also listen better, am able to give a more positive feedback, and generally conduct a more friendly and fruitful conversation,” he added. “Just ask my wife,” he quipped as Susana smiled in agreement.
For more info on the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program go to: membership@Toastmasters.org.