If at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, 2023, you resolved to become a better communicator and leader, Toastmasters International can likely help.
There are four area clubs, based in Innisfil, Barrie, and Alliston, that help members near and far.
“Toastmasters has given me skills in communication, leadership, organizing events and networking, all skills I can transfer to my personal and work environments. It has also surrounded me with a community of people that I call friends,” said Lorraine Durnford-Hill, Area Director of N15 (District 123) and member of the Innisfil Toastmasters and Barrie Toastmasters Clubs.
She told InnisfilToday the four clubs in the area — the oldest of which was chartered in 1965 — presently serve approximately 50 members on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
The Innisfil Toastmasters Club will commence its contest season on Thursday, Jan. 5. Guests are welcome to attend in person or online, as this is a hybrid contest.
Deborah McGrath, DTM, charter member and VP Membership of the Innisfil Toastmasters Club, is looking forward to their next meeting.
“Innisfil Toastmasters Club just celebrated the seventh anniversary of their charter," she explained. "We're exceptionally proud of our continued commitment to providing communication, leadership skills and training to the community.”
But what is Toastmasters and is it for you?
“Joining Toastmasters helps people achieve their personal and professional goals. Toastmasters gives people the skills and confidence they need to effectively express themselves in any situation, said Matt Kinsey, DTM, International President (2022-2023) of Toastmasters International.
The 2022 World Championship of Public Speaking second place winner, Alexandre Matte, explains why he joined the club.
“I’ve become more productive at work, at home and in the community. You need only one good reason to join. It could be to open doors to new opportunities," Matte said.
Toastmasters Clubs are organized by geographical location, and they’re easy to find. The organization's membership is approximately 280,000 in more than 144 countries.
Winners of contests all over the world will progress through multiple rounds of competition until the best of the best compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking in the Bahamas in August 2023.
To learn more about Toastmasters International, please visit their website.
