Local Toastmasters raised a glass to the organization that started it all this week, as they marked Toastmaster International’s 100th anniversary with an open house.
The 1st Waterdown chapter meets Tuesday evenings in Grace Anglican Church’s Noble Hall. Typically, says the organization’s public relations officer Andy Molanes, 14 members turn out for the program. More than double that number – including a couple of people who tuned in virtually – attended the Oct. 29 meeting that featured a guest speaker, snacks and refreshments and, of course, a celebratory cake.
The Waterdown chapter started in 1993. Molanes says he joined about a year and a half ago. “I moved to Waterdown in February of last year, and I wanted to meet members of the community,” he said. “It was a bit intimidating before I joined, but this club is extremely welcoming and it is easy to get started.”
Molanes runs his own company; he says that while he was used to addressing his team, he’s gained lots of practice and some helpful techniques for public speaking through the group. “I speak fast, so I’ve learned to pace myself,” he said.
Guests at Tuesday’s session learned how the structure of the meetings work, with a first and second half, one or two ice-breaker speeches per week, and the table topics round (with “anniversaries” being the focus for this week). They also picked up some etiquette points, such as never leaving the lectern unattended during a meeting. The different roles within the club, such as the toastmaster, quizmaster, timer and evaluator, were also explained.
“Members take on roles to help,” said Molanes. “You can do as little or as much as you want.”
Patrick Lai, who headed up Imperial Oil’s Automotive Test Section before he retired, has been a Toastmaster for 40 years. He started out in Sarnia, and when he moved to Waterdown for work, he joined the local chapter.
“Toastmasters has done so much for me,” he told FlamboroughToday. “At work, it gave me the opportunity to be in management. Toastmasters will help you both personally and in your career.”
The dues for Toastmaster members is $240 per year; those who want to check out the meetings can attend three sessions for free. For more information, visit the 1st Waterdown Toastmasters websitehttps://www.waterdowntoastmasters.com/.
