Faith-Fueled Speaking: The Heart of the Rockies approach

Have you ever been asked to give a speech? Perhaps it is to say “Thank you” for a gift, or to toast the bride and groom at a wedding, or to introduce an idea to a group. Maybe you have been called upon to witness to your faith in Christ or explain why you are a Catholic. How do you organize your thoughts to make engaging, memorable, even humorous, comments for your audience? How do you overcome the shaking knees, the rambling thoughts, the need to say “umm” in between? Let me tell you about Toastmasters and what I learned.

I had been giving presentations for years, but I was like a golfer who went out twice a year and whacked the ball down the fairway, not consistent, not effective, but eventually would get the ball onto the green. Yes, I could give speeches, but I needed to do better.

In 2021, I was invited to join a new Toastmasters public speaking club, initiated at the request of Bishop McGrattan. Knowing that there are more than 400,000 Catholic speakers in the Diocese, he wants to encourage us to become better speakers. Bishop McGrattan supports Toastmasters as an excellent way to support the faithful in our role as witnesses to the Gospel, a theme central to our ongoing diocesan renewal.  

You may be wondering, what happens at Toastmasters?  What makes “Heart of the Rockies” Toastmasters special?
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​Toastmasters International is the parent organization that supports Toastmasters clubs around the world. Club members gather in person or online to practice their speaking skills using professionally developed education programs. These programs guide the members through speech preparation, from planning and structure to delivery using effective vocal variety, gestures, courage, and confidence. Basically, you learn how to give engaging speeches to any size of audience.

Heart of the Rockies takes the tools of Toastmasters and applies them using a Christian spirit. Members share their experiences and skills in a safe and fun environment. They become equipped to live out the invitation from the Gospel according to St. Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

We, at Heart of the Rockies, invite you to join us for one hour each week to grow in your skills as a witness of Christ to the world. Heart of the Rockies meets online Monday evenings from 7 to 8 pm and is open to everyone ages 18 and older. For further information on how to connect or to visit Heart of the Rockies Toastmasters club, please email me at [email protected].
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As a long-term toastmaster and member of Heart of the Rockies once said, “Toastmasters told me to be better, and I am better because of Toastmasters!”

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Written by Deacon Daniel Deck for Faithfully. Ordained as a permanent deacon in 2008, Deacon Dan has been a Toastmaster since 2021 and was recognized as the Rookie of the Year for southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. He is passionate about public speaking and encourages everyone to find their voice and share their stories.

​Photo credit: Deacon Dan Deck.