Join the Toastmasters

By Rechell McDonald
Toastmasters is an organization that focuses on developing speaking and leadership skills through confidence. As an organization, Toastmasters International, has existed since 1924 and has pursued much the same mandate.
This organization has hundreds of thousands of members in thousands of clubs across 116 countries. These clubs focus on teaching people to convey their thoughts effectively through a ‘learn-by-doing’ philosophy; after all, practice makes perfect.
Speaking, especially publicly, is an important skill. And ‘public’ speaking doesn’t always have to refer to addressing a crowd. In fact, being a confident speaker is a useful tool for anyone, from students to politicians, and very few people are naturally gifted at it. Being able to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas is more than half the battle in most situations. Having an impact and leaving an impression is key. This is what Toastmasters is all about. Give yourself to them, and they will mold you into a person who can leave an impression.
The group is always looking for new members, but they also love to have guests. If you would like to sit in on one of their sessions, you can attend a meeting! They meet every Thursday evening at the Hilltop Community Church at 7 p.m. Go to a meeting, and who knows? Maybe you’ll become the toast of the town!