If you are like most people, public speaking is not your favorite pastime. Many people pay thousands of dollars for seminars to gain the skill and confidence necessary to face an audience. But there’s another option that is less expensive and held in high regard in business circles – Toastmasters. This organization has been around for nearly 80 years and offers a proven – and enjoyable – way to practice and hone your communication and leadership skills. By participating in a fun and supportive Toastmasters group, you'll become a better speaker and leader and gain confidence to succeed in whatever path you've chosen in life.
How Does it Work?
A Toastmasters club is a “learn-by-doing” workshop in which men and women hone their communication and leadership skills in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Our group typically has about 20 members who meet twice a month to learn and practice public speaking techniques. The club meetings are held at noon every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month and last approximately one hour. Feel free to “brown bag” your lunch!
We would be very pleased to welcome you as a guest. You do not need to participate if you do not feel comfortable... you may just observe. However, you are encouraged to do so. Our club is relatively small, and has a very warm, friendly and supportive environment.
Those joining a Toastmasters club learn communication and leadership skills by working in the Competent Communicator manual, a series of 10 speaking assignments designed to build a basic foundation in public speaking.
When finished with the first speech manual, members can select from among 15 advanced manuals to develop speaking skills that are geared to specific interests. Examples of advanced manuals are Public Relations, The Entertaining Speaker, Speeches by Management, Persuasive Speaking, and Humorously Speaking...to name a few. Members can also develop and practice leadership skills by working in the Competent Leadership manual.
There is no instructor in a Toastmasters club. Instead, members evaluate one another’s oral presentations and leadership skills. This evaluation process is an integral component of the overall educational program. Toastmaster’s members also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and serve as officers in various leadership roles.
We invite you to join us at our next Toastmasters meeting. By participating in a fun and supportive Toastmasters group, you'll become a better speaker and leader and gain confidence to succeed in whatever path you've chosen in life.
