NEWS RELEASE
BLUE MOUNTAIN TOASTMASTERS
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The Blue Mountains Toastmasters club has earned their first ribbon as a President’s Distinguished Club. The club was formed just five years ago, serving members from Thornbury, Meaford, Clarksburg and area. Earning a President’s Distinguished Ribbon is recognition for a club that meets a series of goals set out by Toastmasters International.
October was declared Toastmasters month in many communities including The Blue Mountains. Toastmasters International has just celebrated its 97th birthday on Oct. 22. During those years, the Toastmasters program has helped millions of people around the world “find their voice” and gain confidence.
Wouldn’t you like to feel comfortable speaking in front of a big audience, who listened to you attentively? Do you feel confident leading a meeting and keeping it on time? Toastmasters can help. The Blue Mountains Toastmasters wants to help you gain confidence in your speaking and leadership skills
Learning is fun because Toastmasters members learn by doing. It may be presenting the meaning of a new word or asking questions to test the listening skills of the audience. You will learn how to prepare and present a speech in an organized manner. You will learn to speak extemporaneously, by practising mini-speeches in Table Topics. Think how this skill will help you in job interviews, in sales or when you are “asked to say a few words.”
Speeches and meetings are always evaluated. Many members find it challenging to present an evaluation in a compassionate way, that still offers points to work on to improve. Think of the many ways you use evaluation skills in your job, in your home or in your organizations.
Most members join Toastmasters because they want to be able to speak more confidently. The extra bonus in the Toastmaster program is the leadership benefits. Each meeting there are roles to perform. Each member takes turn serving as chair, as evaluator and as speaker of the meeting. Everyone gets to say something if they wish. We encourage members to participate in our friendly environment. You will build new skills without realizing it.
Toastmasters has been forced to meet virtually over the past 19 months. Many people feel they are not learning the same skills as when we meet in person. We believe that you learn all the same skills and more. We have become very proficient in “putting our best faces forward”.
We learn the benefits of light on our face in a virtual setting. We learn to use vocal variety and speak enthusiastically to your computer screen. More and more business transactions are being conducted online. Learn to do it well.
To learn more about the benefits of Toastmasters visit one of the two clubs in our area: www.tbmtoastmasters.org or www.collingwoodtoastmastersclubs.org. Our website will direct you to the meeting links. The Blue Mountains Toastmasters meets every Tuesday evening, while Collingwood Toastmasters meets first and third Thursday. Guests are free.
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