‘I really sucked at speaking…’

A former member of Kempton Park Toastmasters, Clinton Etheridge, has finished his CC10 (Competent Communicator Manual) within the organisation.

Formerly from Petit, he now lives in London and has an office in New York City.

Etheridge is the director of Faithful Men Ministries, a non-profit organisation which challenges men to take responsibility for their roles and provides a mentorship process to help equip them with all the principles they need to maximise their potential as men.

Etheridge decided to join Toastmasters because “I really sucked at speaking to a larger audience”.

“I hosted our first international conference in 2011. As much as I have a passion for men’s mentorship and have great success connecting with men either one-on-one or in smaller groups, this conference highlighted a weakness in my personal arsenal of skills – effective public speaking to a larger audience.

“In my debriefing sessions with various stakeholders post the conference, the honest feedback from most was that as much as they loved and appreciated me, I really sucked at speaking to a larger audience.

“It was a sobering thought but much appreciated nonetheless. One of my friends suggested I consider Toastmasters, so I did.”

He joined the Kempton Park group in 2012.

“From the first meeting I attended, I have received immense value for time. I discovered a safe environment where people matter; where opinions are shared and received with mutual respect; and where communication and guidance is clear. However more than having a safe haven to polish my own skills, there is an amazing opportunity to serve and assist others too.”

The past four-year journey with Toastmasters has been a great adventure of discovery, forging lifelong relationships and polishing those challenging yet ever so needed public speaking skills, he said.

“My confidence level has risen to previously unimaginable heights. My ability to communicate clearly, inspire more passionately and listening more intently has been honed to my personal satisfaction.”

Asked to describe three things the Toastmasters International programme helped him accomplish over the past year, he answered: “I have been able to complete my last three CC projects with a great measure of personal satisfaction. I suppose the personal sense of accomplishment would have been more than sufficient for me. However, it is the amazing people of diversity I have been super blessed to forge relationships with at Kempton Park, that has had the most significant impact on my life.

“I do enjoy providing a good speech every now and then. However, a speech evaluator is probably one of the most coveted leadership roles among the many available. I have had the privilege of evaluating a couple of fellow members. Every time I had the opportunity to evaluate someone, it was nerve-racking. Almost like entering a championship fight, with butterflies whirling around inside my tummy.”

Etteridge is married to Melise. The couple has two children, Daniel and Danica.

“My view on life is simply this: if God is your Father, then you are my brother or sister. If God is not yet your Father, then you are my brother or sister to be. I love all with compassion, embrace life with passion and am eternally grateful for every single breath I take.”