Time to speak up — or get a little help in doing so.

The SKWIM Toastmasters group hosts an open house from 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, in the meeting room at the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave.

Guests are welcome to see what the group is about as members discuss prepared speeches, impromptu speaking and evaluations.

At the event, club president Richard Proctor will speak about his journey of overcoming a crippling fear of being in front of people. One of the club’s newest members, Jeff Tingelstad, broker with Jace Real Estate, will be giving his first speech at the Sequim club.

“Many people know of Toastmasters as a place to practice public speaking in a safe and supportive environment,” says Lindy MacLaine, vice president for education for Skwim Toastmasters. “What is less known is the wealth of leadership training Toastmasters provides. Seeking promotion without management experience can be a real catch twenty-two. Toastmasters can help fill that gap.”

Members and guests will enjoy a regular Toastmasters meeting that will include prepared speeches, Table Topics (impromptu speeches) and evaluations.

“Table Topics are one of my favorite parts of the meeting,” says Table Topics master Teresa Barrett. “It helps members develop the ability to organize thoughts quickly and speak clearly on your feet in response to an impromptu question.”

Kyle Hall and Sharon Lebrecque, both Distinguished Toastmasters with 48 years of combined Toastmasters experience, will share supply speech evaluations.

“Toastmasters offers P.I.E. at every meeting: P stands for planned speeches, I for impromptu speeches, and E for evaluations,” Lebrecque says. “The evaluations are shared in a supportive way that encourages growth.”

In recognition of the value of P.I.E. for developing careers and confidence, a variety of pies will be served along with other refreshments.

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 from 7-8:15 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at The Gathering Place at Sunland Golf & Country Club, 137 Fairway St.

See https://907529.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

Skwim Toastmasters group adds member

Skwim Toastmasters recently welcomed new member Linda Christensen to the group. Christensen relocated from Palo Alto, Calif., in 2015 after retiring.

“When I visited Sequim with a friend, I just knew I wanted to live here,” Christensen said

“I was involved for a short time (with Toasmasters) many years ago in California. When I saw the Skwim Toastmasters Club meeting on the Sequim Gazette event calendar, I thought, ‘That’s exactly what I need right now — something fun, something creative, and connecting.’”