Toastmasters open to new members

Members of the 30-year-old Ettalong Toastmasters are looking forward to the new "learning pathways" that will be rolled out by Toastmasters International in 2018.

Ettalong Toastmasters public relations vice-president Mr Marco Liporoni said the Peninsula was privileged to have such a long-standing Toastmasters club.

"We currently have 20 members and anyone who is over 18 can join from any walk of life, professionals, mums and dads, and tradies are all welcome," Mr Liporoni said.

"You don't need any skills apart from the will to learn how to communicate better, to experience personal growth and have fun," he said.

"Our meetings are known for being fun.

"We always have a blast."

Toastmaster meetings follow a set parliamentary style structure with members taking on different roles such as chairman, toastmaster and general evaluator.

"At each meeting, a certain number of people will be called upon to give prepared speeches and they will be evaluated but it is self-pacing and every speech is of your own choice," he said.

Toastmasters offers mentors and learning manuals to help members attain the skills and confidence they desire.

During meetings, members may also be given to opportunity to give 30-second off-the-cuff speeches on table topics.

"Everyone has the opportunity to speak and have fun," he said.

Members can also participate in competitions twice per year including a humorous competition and an international competition.

Toastmasters is structured into clubs, areas (each consisting of six or seven clubs), divisions, states, countries and the international organisation.

Each club will hold the two optional competitions on one night and the participant who wins will then move up to competing at the area level.

"It is a great opportunity and in a couple of weeks members will be participating in the regional humorous competition at Port Macquarie.

"The calibre of speakers is just amazing."

Members have a whole pathway that they can work through to achieve what they want in communicating for professional purposes, for entertainment or fun.

"The club will give you the skills and confidence to express yourself in many situations including professional presentations, interviews, meetings and interpersonal communications."

The club meets on the second or fourth Tuesday evening of each month in the boardroom at Ettalong Diggers Memorial Club.

The cost of joining Toastmasters is $65 each six months and the meetings run from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

SOURCE:

Interview, 26 Oct 2017

Marco Liporoni, Ettalong Toastmasters

Reporter: Jackie Pearson