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Calgary Toastmasters develops faith-filled communicators
Christina Kruis (third from right), a nearly 20-year veteran with the public speaking and leadership skills improvement organization Toastmasters International, and Deacon Daniel Deck (last to the right) of St. Pius X Church are among the members of "Heart of the Rockies" Toastmasters club founded by the Diocese of Calgary in 2021.
August 29, 2024
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At the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ, the 11 disciples received the Great Commission to “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.”
Catholics and other denominational Christians are charged with this same task today. Still, many believers are anxious about speaking boldly and confidently about their faith in front of large groups.
Fortunately, a forum is now available for Catholics interested in developing into dynamic, faith-filled communicators.
In 2021, at Bishop William McGrattan's request, Calgary Catholics launched the “Heart of the Rockies” Toastmasters public speaking club. Every Monday evening, a group of lay professionals and clergy congregate via Zoom to enhance their oral presentation skills. They utilize professional speechcraft education programs to bolster their preparation, delivery, structure and body language.
Christina Kruis, the president of the “Heart of the Rockies” Toastmasters club, has been associated with District 42 (southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan) of Toastmasters International for nearly 20 years, including stints as district director and program quality director. In 2020, Deacon John Walsh, who guided the formation of deacons in the diocese, asked her to run a Toastmasters for the 2020 permanent diaconate class.
The deacons requested the formation of a continuing club, but many ultimately moved on due to the bustle of day-to-day parish duties. However, other parish leaders joined in their stead, including prayer group organizers, lectors and committee members from groups such as the Catholic Women’s League and Knights of Columbus.
Kruis praised the “super dedicated and enthusiastic people” she connects with through this club.
“I always think if you can surround yourself with people who are going to only lift you higher, and that higher is God or Jesus, how amazing that the ‘Heart of the Rockies’ Toastmaster program has Him interwoven in everything we do,” said Kruis. “We talk about Him all the time in the meetings. Whereas in the secular world, ‘don't you tell me about your God or your beliefs.’ We are totally free to share that.
“Personally, for me, in my heart, it makes me a stronger, more confident Catholic,” continued Kruis. “When faced with a challenge outside of my Catholic friends, I have a lot more confidence and knowledge to stand up for Jesus. And in my own experience, that's probably the best gift I've ever been given. It's a tough world out there.”
Deacon Daniel Deck, a permanent deacon who has served St. Pius X Parish in northwest Calgary since 2008, already had a fair amount of public speaking experience when he was asked to join in 2021. He felt fairly confident in his ability to craft a cohesive presentation comfortably.
Deck learned through helpful feedback that while his club members thought he “was a good speaker” and the body section of his speeches was solid, he was not particularly thriving at “getting the audience’s attention at the start” or closing compellingly.
He was advised to start a presentation with a story that connected with him personally and could naturally bridge into the crux of the speech, as that draws out the passion in one’s voice, face and gestures. As for the conclusion, the long-time deacon was told to stir his congregation with an impactful call to action.
Recalling the initial meetings, Deck told The Catholic Register it was evident Toastmasters would provide him with a constructive and supportive platform to improve his abilities.
“Right off the hop, it was a very welcoming community,” said the 2021 Toastmasters rookie of the year for District 42. “They very much encouraged people to take a chance and give a speech they might not be comfortable giving. Because of our Catholic charism, it was a very safe place. Evaluation is a very important part, but there never was a feeling that it was a harsh or unfair assessment.”
In late July, Deck’s testimonial about his experience as a member of Toastmasters was featured in the Calgary diocese’s online newsletter, Faithfully. Dozens of Catholics responded to his written submission by inquiring about the club. The interest was so palpable that Heart of the Rockies hosted a special welcome and demonstration meeting for prospective new members Aug. 26.
Adult Catholics from coast to coast are invited to join the Heart of the Rockies Toastmasters Club, which meets every Monday, except holidays, from 7 to 8 p.m. MST starting Sept. 9.
“I want to imitate My Master who said, ‘come and see,’ ” said Deck. “As Catholics, I would invite you to reach out to us, get an invitation, and come see who we are. Come and see what we do.”
Contact Kruis at [email protected] for more information.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)
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