Golden Toastmasters

Club 2672

Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada

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Press Releases

For more information please see the District 45 web site at http://www.toastmasters45.com

Harding Named District 45 Toastmaster of the Year

Toastmasters in District 45 have named Wendy Harding as Toastmaster of the Year. Past District 45 Governor, Shirley Kelly stated, “During the past year, Wendy demonstrated her Communication & Leadership skills by organizing the treasury of the District, improving our accountability to the members.” District 45 clubs are international in scope, including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada and Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire in the United States

Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs, Toastmasters helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking -- vital skills that promote self-actualization and enhance leadership potential.

Harding says about leadership. “In Toastmasters we help members develop new, or improve existing communication and leadership skills which can be used in all aspects of life.” Learning can be more than a goal, says Harding. “It is a self-paced program conducted in a positive learning environment of professional camaraderie but most of all it’s fun.“

“Toastmasters is making a commitment to improve yourself, and others.” Says Area 13 Governor Kevin Clements. “Wendy is a shining example of achieving goals and dedication” “Through her dedication as District Treasurer, Wendy headed a Committee that worked as a unified team to transition our large geographical District presence into smaller more manageable divisions” Kelly said. “The significance of this is a better run and organized team reporting directly to its’ membership.”

Harding was born and lives in Fredericton working as a Salary Administration Officer for River Valley Health for the past 12 of her 25 years there. She originally joined Toastmasters “to be able to research a topic I may not have any other background on, prepare and present a credible speech presentation on that topic and improve my public communication skills both for prepared and impromptu speeches.” Today Harding says “I can now be confident that when I make a point at a meeting, it will be organized and communicated professionally.”

Harding, a member of the Fredericton, Golden and Advanced Toastmasters Clubs, has recently earned Toastmasters’ highest educational achievement, the Distinguished Toastmaster Award. “You improve your self confidence by learning new skills and improving existing skills; setting personal goals and attaining them.” Harding says. “Members learn so much from each other. I sometimes feel I learn more from watching and assisting a fellow club member complete an assignment than when I completed that assignment myself. “

For more information on Toastmasters Clubs visit www.toastmasters45.com

Fear of Public Speaking

“The fear of public speaking is the No. 1 rated fear,” says psychologist Shirley Impelizari. “We have a fear of being laughed at, a fear of making of a mistake, that fear of being vulnerable,” she says. The fear of being judged creates anxiety that can be paralyzing. If you fear public speaking more than going to the dentist, or even death, you are not alone. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld quipped that means we'd rather be in the casket than perform the ceremony.

Often a wonderful, helpful, insightful message simply is not spoken because we lack the courage to speak them. How do you overcome such fear? “It takes baby steps,” says Kevin Clements, Broadcaster and Toastmasters International District 45 Area 13 Governor from Fredericton. “Practicing in front of a small group is a great way to overcome these fears.” Kevin knows all about public speaking fears. “In Ottawa, I spoke to a million people a week… of course that was from behind a microphone never in front of an audience. Then the television station asked me host the movie premiers… I was shaking in my shoes the whole time.” Kevin found a way to work through the jitters at Toastmasters. He now teaches around the world and utilizes the techniques learned through Toastmasters to make those events successful.

In Fredericton, thousands have benefited from this self-paced atmosphere of understanding and helpful fellowship through the five clubs: Fredericton, Golden, UNB, Civil Speakers and ADI.Throughout the world, Toastmasters has helped more than four million men and women give presentations with poise and confidence since its’ founding nearly 80 years ago in October 1924. Celebrities like comedian/actor Tim Allen, and Tracy Wilson, CBS commentator and Canadian Bronze Medalist in Ice Dancing have benefited from the Toastmasters program too.

Toastmasters learn at the lectern, giving either prepared speeches on topics of their choice or speaking “off the cuff” for two minutes on “table topics”, which can be any kind of subject. A manual guides novices in basic components for successful speaking, such as organization, eye contact, gestures and voice control. More experienced Toastmasters work on advanced skills and longer speeches. These include area like humourous or dramatic storytelling, public relations, and technical presentations.

Jim Kokocki, DTM Toastmasters International Director for Region 7 "Because of Toastmasters, I am better organized, have improved my policy development and strategic planning skills, and I work better in a team environment," he says. "I am more confident in my leadership abilities and I'm no longer afraid to speak up." Jim uses these techniques in his work as a business development manager for Aliant Telecom. Jim goes on to say. “Toastmasters is a supportive, learn-by-doing atmosphere where you can develop your public speaking skills.”

Shirley Kelly, DTM, Past District 45 Governor, iterates "modules in the communication and leadership skill-building program within Toastmasters focus on developing individual presentation styles and evaluation techniques." Shirley says, "members are encouraged to celebrate their success!"