Elk County Toastmasters has welcomed many new members in 2016.
A chapter of the non-profit Toastmasters International with more than 300,000 members around the world, Elk County Toastmasters is a rare resource in this rural region and does accept members from outside of Elk County.
President Jeff Buchheit points out why the Toastmasters club is so effective.
“There are many good once-and-done communication courses available – often with a hefty price tag,” he says. “Toastmasters is the only option that provides constant opportunity to hone your skills at minimal cost. There simply is nothing else like it – practice truly makes perfect.”
The Toastmasters club is about much more than speaking. When it comes to being a great communicator, listening is the most important skill.
Long-time member Cory Straub explains how the Toastmasters club helps people learn the most important communication skill – listening.
“At our meetings, members are assigned roles, such as counting the ‘ums and ahs,’ filler words, and evaluating speeches, forcing us to focus on active listening. Works pretty good with your spouse and kids, too.”
Vice President of Membership Jeff Yetzer shared his perspective. “It is fascinating to observe the rapid improvements that new members achieve in this supportive environment,” he says. “They may start out quaking, but that nervousness soon passes. Watching the speedy transformation of our members is just remarkable.”
“If you want to be constantly inspired – nothing beats Toastmasters,” remarked member Dale Fox. “If you need to speak in public, our training will make you so much more effective. Don’t let painful ‘ums and ahs’ and poor body language dilute your important message.”
Guests are welcome to come and observe this process of inspiration and transformation.
Elk County Toastmasters meets on the first and third Thursday evenings of each month at the St. Marys Knights of Columbus on the Diamond at 7:15 p.m.