Toastmasters 2013 Fall Conference in Thunder Bay
by Brian G. Spare
Have you ever thought of being a public speaker? Or getting up in front of a group and speaking with confidence? If so, Toastmasters is for you.
Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting of “The Toastmasters Club” in the basement of the YMCA in Santa Ana, CA in 1924. Its goal was to help its members develop public speaking skills in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Word quickly spread. Toastmasters clubs were formed in nearby communities and then in neighbouring states. In 1930, Toastmasters became “Toastmasters International” when a speaking group in New Westminster, BC joined the organization. Today, Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership. It boasts 280,000 members belonging to 135,000 clubs in 116 countries worldwide.
Speaking and leadership
The mission of the Toastmasters organization has always been to provide 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. Toastmasters meetings are learning-by-doing workshops. Participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a constructive, no-pressure atmosphere where members evaluate each other’s presentations. This is a key part of Toastmasters’ success.
Fall Conference in Thunder Bay – Theme: Let your spirit come alive
This October 25-26th, the Toastmasters clubs of Thunder Bay will be hosting the annual Toastmasters District 6 Fall Conference for the second time in three years at the Valhalla Inn. We did such a good job the first time, they asked us to do it again. The conference theme is Northern Lights – Let Your Spirit come Alive. Members of Toastmasters clubs from across Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario will congregate in our city for some great speech contests and good socializing. The high light of the conference is the incoming President of Toastmasters International Mohammed Murad will be visiting Thunder Bay to give the key note address on Saturday evening.
Come to the Valhalla Inn ballroom Friday, Oct. 25th for the Table Topics contest or Saturday Oct 26th for the Humorous Speech contest at 7:00 PM.
The tallest trees grow from the smallest seeds. Toastmasters grew from a humble beginning into the international organization it is today. Join Toastmasters and one day you might find yourself on stage to give a speech. As a Toastmaster, I can honestly say that joining Toastmasters was one of the best investments I have made in myself and I’ve enjoyed doing it too.
To learn more about Toastmasters visit Toastmasters International.org or contact one of the Toastmasters clubs in your area.
Let your spirit come alive.
Spread your wings and see where they take you.
Thank you to the following for their assistance with this article:
Toastmasters International
Toastmasters District 6 2013 Fall Conference organizing committee
Brian G. Spare is a local author and freelance copywriter who is a regular contributor to Bayview Magazine. Contact him at https://BrianGSpare.com
*Previously published in Bayview Magazine*
Brian G. Spare 