By JONATHON HOWARD
STANTHORPE Toastmasters are looking forward to the busy months ahead following the club’s annual changeover dinner recently.
The newly-installed executive has been busy planning regular fortnightly programs as well as a few special community events.
First on the agenda was the ‘open house’ meeting to be held on Thursday, 22 August, and locals are invited to attend.
The open meeting provides visitors with a glimpse of the opportunities Toastmasters provides for individuals looking to improve their self-confidence and oral communication skills.
Visitors will enjoy an evening of speeches plus impromptu speaking along with a light supper and a hot cuppa.
The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival Young Ambassadors will also be benefiting from the Toastmaster experience starting on 26 August.
Over the years, the Stanthorpe Toastmasters Club members have freely offered their time and expertise to assist the Young Ambassadors.
The participants will attend a seven-week Toastmasters speechcraft course designed to improve their self-confidence and oral communication skills.
Thousands of Toastmasters around the world participate in the ritual of participating in annual club speech contests.
Stanthorpe Toastmasters will soon be following the same path during August and September.
Persuasive, inspirational, impromptu and humorous speeches are the usual criteria during contest time.
Visitors are always appreciated on contest nights to make up an appreciative audience.
Again, a light supper and a hot cuppa are always part of the agenda.
During term four of the school year, Stanthorpe Toastmasters will be preparing for adjudication duties at the Granite Belt Interschool Lecturette competition.
Adjudication duties will be required over a three-day period and will include listening and judging more than 30 young speakers.
The annual event is open to all Granite Belt Year 7 students.
The members of Stanthorpe Toastmasters Club always enjoy welcoming visitors to club meetings.
The club meets fortnightly on the second and fourth Thursday, at 7.15pm at the Adult Learning Centre, Stanthorpe High School.
For further information, check their website on GraniteNet or telephone 4681 0120.
