General News
17 August, 2023
Club gives new platform for public speaking practice
Residents with a fear of public speaking can breathe a sigh of relief, with Toastmasters looking to establish a club here in Maryborough. Toastmasters is a non-profit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills...
Residents with a fear of public speaking can breathe a sigh of relief, with Toastmasters looking to establish a club here in Maryborough.
Toastmasters is a non-profit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills internationally, with around 280,000 members in almost 150 countries.
John Warner has been a Toastmaster for more than a decade and after moving to Maryborough 12 months ago, is now looking to establish a local club to support residents in their public speaking.
“I’ve seen what Toastmasters has done for people over the years, it’s ranged from a father who was too scared to get up and speak at his daughter’s wedding to someone who runs an animal rescue shelter and needed to build confidence in their public speaking,” he said.
“When I moved to Maryborough a year ago I thought, ‘why not start a club here?’ I think this community would really benefit from something like this.”
Mr Warner has already organised a couple of demonstration meetings to showcase what Toastmasters is all about, with more planned for the future.
“There’s been a lot of support from Toastmaster clubs in Ballarat and Bendigo in getting a club up and running here,” he said.
“Ultimately we are trying to get enough interest so we can get to that critical number of people and charter our own club here.
“It would be great to see, I remember when I first went along as a guest to a Toastmasters meeting I refrained from getting up to talk and I’ve come a long way since then.
“Toastmasters is about getting over that barrier and you’re supported by very caring people. The friendships you make add a lot of value.”
Open to everyone of any ability, Mr Warner is encouraging interested residents to get involved in the next demonstration meeting.
“I’d certainly encourage anyone interested to come along and learn some more about what Toastmasters is and how we can support you,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done it before or if you have some experience, everyone is welcome.”
Demonstration meetings are taking place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Mill House, 88-90 Burke Street, Maryborough from 6.45 for a 7 pm start.
Bookings are encouraged and can be made to John on 0413 987 044.