January 18 Program - Toastmasters

The January 18 2021 Newport Rotary Meeting will feature a Tostmasters Program. Toastmasters is now a "partner" with Rotary International. Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. Joining is in our meeting will be President Steve Hellersperk DTM, Rick Reece DTM, Bob Pruett DTM, Jennifer Melton and Martha Mossad CC.

Toastmasters began as a series of speaking clubs organized by Ralph C. Smedley during his time working for the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) in Bloomington, Illinois, United States. As director of education at the YMCA, Smedley saw a need for the men in the community to learn how to speak, conduct meetings, plan programs and work on committees, and he wanted to help them. The first unofficial Toastmasters meeting was held on March 24, 1905.

Education is an important part of every Toastmaster’s journey, and it is a critical aspect of all club meetings around the world. Participating in Toastmasters’ education programs allows you to gain the valuable practice needed to develop your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. The safe and supportive environment clubs provide allows you to learn at your own pace in a curriculum that has helped millions meet their personal and professional goals. Since Toastmasters was founded in 1924, our education programs have been driven by four guiding principles:

• Experiential learning – By giving speeches and fulfilling leadership roles, you practice and improve.
• Peer feedback – Grow and improve your public speaking and communication skills through honest and supportive peer evaluation.
• Mentoring – Experienced mentors encourage, guide, and support you in your goals and help you to achieve more than you thought possible.
• Self-paced program – Develop skills at your own pace and comfort level.

What’s in it for me? Are you prepared for impromptu questions? Is your speaking filled with unnecessary filler words such as ah, um, you know and many others? Do you know if is? The Toastmaster’s experience helps you become a better speaker and leader through a series of organized programs, effective instant evaluations, and practice. Only you can make it happen.