Season One: Episode 3 -Youth Leadership, Developing Future Leaders

We are in the 4th Industrial revolution. The world is changing fast. Today, there are more than 1.5 billion young people in the world between the ages of 10 and 24. Hello Everyone, My name is Somesh Chablani. I am Distinguished Toastmaster and very passionate about teaching public speaking and Youth Leadership. The favorite part of my role as a Toastmaster and District Youth Leader is a chance to talk to, meet with and hear from young people not only from New York but all across the United States and also from around the world. We all have a big opportunity because the youth hold our shared future in their hands. They have big ideas and passions to fight for change, social change, climate change, and bringing change in their local communities. The Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program, or YLP is a very comprehensive program and helps students to learn public speaking and develop leadership skills. This program spans across 6 to 8 weeks and is conducted in person. However, with the restrictions of the in-person meetings during the pandemic, we leveraged the power of online tools like Google and Zoom to continue teaching the YLP class. With excellent support from our District Leaders and members, we have successfully trained more than 100 + students in the past one year. Every crisis presents an opportunity. Leveraging the power of technology, District 46 Toastmasters was able to serve its member community and continue to teach and nurture our young talent. The 90 minute-session each week is highly interactive and facilitated by experienced Toastmasters who have the support and sponsorship from the District as well as from their respective Toastmaster clubs. Our current and past students have truly enjoyed this program thus far because it covers various aspects of 1. prepared speeches, 2. using body gestures and vocal variety, 3. impromptu speaking, 4. and speech evaluation as well as providing feedback. The students also get a chance to take on meeting roles as well as learn and support each other, which in turn helps them to build their leadership skills. I firmly believe every young person has the potential to become an excellent communicator and leader, but this potential needs to be developed. The students are taught techniques and best practices and they learn how to Overcome fear of public speaking How to organize and present their speech and ideas As well as participate and lead group discussions. The students also make new friends, and they have a lot of fun too. Toastmasters is an enjoyable learning experience! Hence, if you are a student or a parent wanting your child to develop communication and leadership skills, I highly encourage you to consider joining the YLP program. Nelson Mandela said it well, “the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” Take the first step now and join the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program. Thank You!