COMMUNICATION: Event ‘toasting’ good speaking skills

Local News

November 4, 2009

Staff Reports The Niagara Gazette Wed Nov 04, 2009, 10:30 PM EST

Three out of every four individuals suffer from speech anxiety — but that doesn’t have to be.

Toastmasters International offers a way to increase interpersonal skills, sharpen leadership and communications skills and gain valuable transferable skills that are useful in today’s competitive job market. As part of that mission, the local district will host a leadership and communications conference Friday and Saturday at Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel.

Conference attendees have a choice of 12 one-hour education workshops to choose from, with topics ranging from leadership, motivation, relationships, humor, online marketing, presentation excellence, first impressions, voice acting and more.

A Friday night improv event at 9 p.m. and a humorous speech contest at 4:30 p.m. Saturday will offer a look at the “lighter side of public speaking.”

“Toastmasters members have the opportunity to share what they know with a larger audience and the general community has the opportunity to learn valuable professional and life skills from polished speakers and successful professionals,” said Melinda Schmidt, conference co-chair. “Presentation skills have been shown to be critical to success in the workplace so whether you are employed or unemployed, we welcome all to attend these workshops and help to develop your communication skills.”

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization founded by Ralph C. Smedley in 1924. It has grown from one club to 12,500 clubs, which are home to over 250,000 members in 106 different counties across the world. District 65 encompasses Western and Central New York.

Michael Notaro, the second vice president of Toastmasters International and the third highest official in the International organization, will also be in attendance to deliver the banquet speech on Saturday evening. During his stay in the Niagara region, he will be visiting local businesses and organizations to promote the growth of new Toastmasters clubs in the Buffalo/Niagara region and speaking about the importance of personal development.

The conference begins at 5 p.m. Friday and continues all day Saturday. Attendees should pay in advance and pick up their conference kits at registration prior to attending any of the events. Registration for workshops and events is $25. If interested in attending the full conference, including meals, the cost is $100. To register online, visit d65conference.eventbrite.com.

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