Submitted by Lyudmila Tomas
I just rejoined the Toastmasters club in Moose Jaw. This is my third time belonging to the Toastmasters club.
The first time I learned about the Toastmasters from my English language instructor at the Multicultural Council. She told us that Toastmasters provides a very good opportunity to practice English and public speaking skills. So, myself and most of my classmates joined Toastmasters for the Speech Crafter Course that lasted several weeks. All of us had to do three speeches, as well as take other roles. In the end, we all received Speech Crafter certificates. TAP Toastmasters club (TAP) has just started a Speech Crafter Course and is accepting additional participants.
Initially, I didn't really enjoy doing speeches and was having trouble finding topics for my speeches. Later, when I become president of the Russian Association, the public speaking skills I learned at Toastmasters helped me to be successful in doing presentations about Russian culture. The circle of friends that I made at Toastmasters, also became a part of my support system.
People join toastmasters for different reasons: to gain confidence, improve presentation skills for job-related purposes, to challenge themselves, to get out of their comfort zone, share their ideas with others, promote a business or event, prepare themselves for a political campaign, learn leadership skills, etc. I personally joined Toastmasters to improve my English skills, but later I also realized that it is a great networking opportunity, as well as an opportunity to promote events and to meet new people. I always tell people that Toastmasters is a 'great group of people to hang out with' (smile).
There are currently two clubs in Moose Jaw: Big Country, that meets on Wednesdays and TAPs that meets on Tuesdays. Both clubs meet at 7 p.m. at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic board room.
If you would like to join either club or if you have any questions, you can contact the president of Big Country Al Doucette at 306 681-5267 or Cathy Morrell at 306-630-7015. You can also explore Toastmasters and find both clubs at the Toastmasters website.
