Talk this way: Capital Toastmasters member and
prison volunteer Margaret Nixon demonstrates
the art of public speaking to prisoners at Rimutaka.
We’ve all heard managers address staff at Christmas parties – “thank you for the good work, a safe and happy Christmas to you and your family…”
No matter how lame the jokes, the staff laugh and appreciate the words, and in some cases, are moved to stand up and make a small speech themselves.
Not everyone enjoys public speaking, but thanks to the generosity of volunteers from Capital Toastmasters, a group of 14 prisoners in the Rimutaka Prison Reintegration Unit will now be up to the task.
Keen to help prisoners express themselves clearly, concisely and confidently, Corrections’ Wellington Regional Volunteer Coordinator Jeanette Voyce broke new ground this year inviting Capital Toastmasters to coach prisoners in the art of public speaking.
Five members of the Toastmasters club, including Parliamentary staff member Margaret Nixon, put their hands up for the task and it wasn’t long before they had 14 prisoners enrolled for a sixsession course.
“It’s been a win-win for the Toastmasters and prisoners alike,” Jeanette says.
“The prisoners’ job interview skills will be greatly enhanced and so too will their ability to communicate with people such as landlords, their reintegration officers and most importantly, their families.”
A recently released prisoner is so keen to continue his Toastmasters training, the Capital Toastmaster volunteers have agreed to formally introduce the man to the club in his local community.
The prisoners received certificates at a small graduation ceremony on November 25 where it was agreed they and the Toastmasters would continue to meet next year.
The inspirational and useful work of the Capital Toastmasters volunteers is just one example of the work done by over 3000 volunteers in prisons around the country. Volunteers help prisoners make and keep links with the community, they humanise our prisons and give prisoners valuable support and skills that complement Corrections’ own programmes. International Volunteer Day was on December 5.
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ISSN 1178-8453