Local Toastmasters group sets speech contests

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, February 20, 2019

The Skwim Toastmasters invite the public to attend the club’s International Speech and Evaluation Contests set for 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at The Gathering Place — 135 Fairway Dr. in Sunland.

Admission is free, though reservations are requested at TMClubContest.eventbrite.com.

Refreshments will be served.

Toastmasters International is known for its worldwide communication and leadership training, but its annual speech contests are less well known, local Toastmasters say.

“It begins around the world at the club level, with around 30,000 people competing,” Lindy MacLaine, last year’s District 32 champion, said. “It culminates in August at the Toastmasters International convention, with the 10 best speakers from across the globe competing for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking .

While MacLaine will not be competing this year, she will emcee the Sequim contest on Feb. 26. District 32 Director Kyle Hall will serve as Chief Judge.

The competition hones skills as members tap into a friendly competitive spirit to bring their best performance to the proverbial plate. It also serves to teach members about multiple aspects of the contest process, including judging.

The evening promises to be entertaining as well as educational.

“Competing in the contest

from club to semi-world-finals level last year was a life changing event,” MacLaine said. “It boosted my confidence, and connected me to amazing people I would never have met otherwise.”

Skwim Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

The Sequim club meets every Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place.

For more information about this event and the club, visit 907529.toastmastersclubs.org and www.facebook.com/SequimToastmasters.