Whether you’re in the PR industry, a company CEO, or just grinding out a 9 to 5, one thing is for sure: much of your success depends on the ability to communicate effectively. You can’t go into a client meeting, mumble your way through, stare at the floor, and constantly interrupt the other parties and expect to walk out the door in a better situation than when you entered. If anything, you should have just pulled up the covers and rolled over, because at least then you’ve not left the other person with a negative belief about your personal presentation.

Yes, personal presentation, the 24/7 phenomenon, which you control, that directs the different outcomes of your life. Having a degree in communications, I learned that it’s not only what you say, but how you relay this message that determines whether the other party fully receives the intended output. Myriad factors have a way of skewing our perception or diverting our attention, resulting in the true context and content of the dialogue.

Many of my clients are CEOs at prosperous companies, strong, determined men and women, who may have a stellar resume, but lack the real communication skills to lead the organization to a higher potential.

Enter Toastmasters. Or, really, any organization that provides an environment that fosters the growth of leadership and communication skills. I recently attended a meeting of a local chapter and was blown away by the way this very diverse group of people came together to offer encouragement and advice on enhancing one’s speaking abilities.

For those unaware, Toastmasters is an international organization dedicated to teaching members how to springboard their public speaking from shoddy to national speaking events (if that person so chooses to make that effort). My group leader informed me yesterday that as a result of engaging in the program, the organization has received countless messages about participants receiving promotions, winning contests, and improving self-confidence. One woman received four promotions in the span of a year!

Improve your relationships, your career, and your personal presentation by seeking out a group to challenge and assist you in, not only finding the right words, but the right avenue.