Local Toastmasters say speaking with humor makes speeches special, audiences engaged and messages more memorable.

To help club members and guests work that humor into their presentations, Sequim’s Toastmasters Club offers “You Can Be Funny 2,” a free online event from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, featuring Humorous Speech Champion Vladimir Balabanov.

To access the Zoom meeting, visit the club’s home page: 907529.toastmastersclubs.org (or Google SKWIM Toastmasters) and click on the link. Organizers recommend participants/visitors come 15 minutes early.

A Boeing engineer by day, Balabanov is a longtime Toastmaster and accomplished presenter. His cat-sitting adventures highlighted Sequim’s “Laugh Out Loud” Humorous Speech Showcase in 2018.

“Vladimir gives a step-by-step approach to finding humor,” Distinguished Toastmaster Kyle Hall said. “It’s very practical, and easy to follow.”

Lindy MacLaine, past club president, and recent third-place winner in the World Championship of Public Speaking, said, “It’s a relief to know humor isn’t only the realm of the naturally funny. Learning to include humor in my speeches has made all the difference for my contest success. It really is something that anyone can learn.”

Skwim Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that “empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.” In “normal” times, the Sequim club meets every Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place in Sunland, 135 Fairway Dr.