Christmas at Toastmasters

Ettalong Beach Toastmasters Club held Christmas in July celebrations on Tuesday, July 27.

Members of the club dressed in Christmas dress for the occasion.

Vice-president Joanne Martin said: "Except for the Christmas decor and music, it was very similar to a regular meeting.

"We have theme nights periodically.

"Sometimes they're seasonal, but we also have mock weddings, court proceedings, job interviews, debates and political speeches - all kinds of things.

"The idea is to create opportunities for speaking, occasions for practice, and to have fun doing it."

Ms Martin said people joined Toastmasters to improve their communication.

"Some may have been asked to be Master of Ceremonies or to make a toast at a friend's wedding and want to get some speaking tips.

"Some want to advance their careers by learning to speak more confidently in a meeting, presentation or interview, or to learn how to chair a meeting.

"All our members want to be able to put their ideas across more effectively," she said.

Toastmasters has levels of awards from the Ice Breaker to Competent Toastmaster, which is the first level award, received after a member makes 10 speeches

Ms Martin accepted an award for Competent Toastmaster during the Christmas in July festivities.

She credits her achievement to Jan Cummings a member of the club for 12 years, who is a Distinguished Toastmaster.

"Jan is my mentor," she said.

"Mentoring is an important part of our program.

"We recognise that public speaking can be a scary thing, as we've all been there.

"We don't forget how hard it is to stand up there for the first time."

Ms Cummings said she still attended meetings as her interest was now in mentoring others.

Ms Martin said that the group created a safe and supportive environment for people to develop their skills.

"Our experienced and senior members are very supportive of new members," she said.

"That's the thing that first-time visitors say most often.

"They find the club a warm and friendly place to be."

Ettalong Beach Toastmasters meets at the Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club, at 7.30pm, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

For further information, telephone 4341 6842.

Press release, August 4