Have you heard the one about the three women from Korea, Peru and China?
In case you’re hanging on for the punchline, this trio of Richmondites is no joke.
The three ladies — Emily Zuck, Ana Geldres and Wei Hu — are all immigrants, who came from different parts of the globe for very different reasons in search of a new life.
However, they all had one thing in common — a desire to better their competent English language skills and immerse themselves in the local culture and society.
But it wasn’t the most obvious pathway that brought them to the same crossroad in their respective lives: A toastmasters club, which improves people’s public speaking techniques.
“In my country, I had heard of the word ‘toastmasters,’ but I’d no idea what it was; I assumed it was something about toasting, with drinks,” laughed Spanish-speaking Geldres, who immigrated from Peru in 2010, before joining the 17-strong Toastmasters RICH-DEL Club three years ago.
“I was working as a cleaner, but all the people around me always spoke in Spanish; I had no-one to talk to in English. And at home, with my children, everyone spoke in Spanish. I had no option but to speak in Spanish.
“I said to myself, I have to speak in English, so I went to look for a group somewhere that I knew would speak in English.”
Geldres, who lives near Ironwood, said she joined the club with a “fairly good level of English,” but wanted to become more fluent.
“I wanted to be able to talk to a lot of people and not be worried or embarrassed,” she added.
“You’re there to meet people and learn different roles, lead a meeting, correct people in certain ways. My confidence has grown in how to communicate in certain situations and my (social circle) has also grown.”
Hu, who moved from mainland China in 2011 to initially study museum education at UBC, was first introduced the concept of toastmasters by her university professor, who advised it would help with her presentation skills.
She never took it that seriously, though, concentrating instead on her studies.
But in 2016, Hu, a social media specialist, heard that the RICH-DEL club was much more “friendly and relaxed.”
“When I used to speak in English, I had to think about the words and it slowed everything down and I would struggle to find the correct words to express myself.
“The only way to get better, though, is to practice. I made mistakes, but the confidence I’ve received means I’m OK with making mistakes and I’ve learned a lot of communication skills.
“Before, I couldn’t approach a stranger and ask a question, fearing they wouldn’t understand me and I’d be embarrassed.
“My big problem is my pronunciation, because I learned English from Chinese people; it’s totally different.”
For 20 years, Zuck, who emigrated from Korea in 1995, could communicate efficiently in English, but always wanted to be able to hold a proper conversation in English.
But it took a broken wrist two years ago before the Air Canada flight attendant finally got around to doing something about it.
“I was previously busy all the time and now I had all this time. I was also struggling to express myself to people (in English),” said Zuck, who lives in Steveston, and joined the club last summer.
“I heard the word ‘toastmaster’ and I researched it a little. I wanted to inspire and motivate others, especially young people, and this seemed like a good way to learn.
“I’d never talked to any more than two or three people, but I really want to talk to a group and get my message across.
“Now, it’s much better, in terms of organizing what to say and what to write. I was very shy before, I didn’t talk much in social settings. I have no fear now.”
For all three ladies, joining the club hasn’t just enhanced their confidence and language skills, it was an opportunity to broaden their understanding of local and national society.
“It is a great way for new immigrants to learn more about the society and culture. English is just one side of it,” said Hu.
“How things run here, including all the rules, for example, are very different. We learned a lot.”
Anyone finding themselves in a similar situation to Hu, Zuck and Geldres, shouldn’t be afraid, said Geldres.
“We are a very open group,” she said.
“We have lots of people who come from very low level of English skills, but, little by little, they have been improving.
“It all depends on how much effort they put in.”
The RICH-DEL club meets every Thursday, 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. at the Richmond Brighouse Park Pavilion, Meeting Room A, 7840 Granville Ave. (right next to the baseball field).
Guests are free and the club aims to help its members: Conquer stage fright; learn to express themselves in any situation; give better presentations at work and build leadership skills.
The club promises you’ll meet new friends, practice English, “learn at your own pace and have fun in a supportive environment.”
For more information, contact Sal Baloo on 604-970-7521 or email [email protected] or go online to 3767.ToastMastersClubs.org.
