Comedian Jerry Seinfeld put very clearly when he said: "According to most studies, people's Number One Fear is Public Speaking. Number Two Fear is death. Death is Number Two! Now, this means, to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy!"

 

For many of us that rings very true. We have been in a cold sweat at even the thought of speaking in public, let alone actually doing it.

 

Thanks to Toastmasters International, those days are over for many members of the organisation which teaches public speaking and leadership skills.

 

The non-profit organisation now has nearly 235,000 members in 11,700 clubs in 92 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

Manuka Toastmasters

 

Manuka Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet every fortnight for an hour . Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. They also learn just by being there and listening to other people speak.

There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved. The meetings inspire confidence in members and bring out the best in them.

 

Manuka Toastmasters meets in the wonderful atmosphere of the Italo-Australian Club in Franklin Street, Forrest, Canberra, on the Wednesday of Public Service pay week.  The meetings start at 6.30 pm and last about an hour.

 

Under the Presidency of Simba Kippaya (left), the club's executive and members work hard to ensure meetings are fun, relaxed and productive for all participants. For more information cointact Peter Waterman on 0419 260 827, or send an email

 

 

Membership of Manuka Toastmasters is made up of people from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring the meetings are lively, vibrant, educational - and a lot of fun.

 

Why not come along and see if this is the club for you. At Manuka Toastmasters, we are confident it is the club for you. Check out our next meeting's agenda, and also some previous agendas here