Katherine Creech used to lose sleep for days, riddled with anxiety before she had to give a speech to colleagues at the company where she works.

Six months after joining the Valley Toastmasters Club in North Central Phoenix, she said she felt more at ease talking to groups and her boss told her she had “made enormous improvements” in public speaking.

Creech, 45, a director of operations at a B2B communications company, is among the 23 members of the club that meet to polish their public speaking and leadership skills at 6:15 a.m. every Thursday at Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave.

The group is affiliated with Toastmasters International, a worldwide, nonprofit, educational organization that has assisted thousands of people with their speaking, listening, thinking and leadership abilities. Members give formal, prepared speeches and also tackle impromptu speaking on diverse subjects called “table topics” at meetings.

“It’s a safe and supportive environment,” Creech said. “It’s more about opportunities for growth and feedback. The goal is to leave the individual motivated and inspired.”

Joel Konopken, 66, a retired accountant and president of Valley Toastmasters Club, joined a Toastmasters Club in the East Valley in 1992 as a way to bond with his wife. He said at the time he also knew he had problems communicating with colleagues.

“I was kind of full of myself and I think it showed,” Konopken said.

He said participating in Toastmasters has helped him relate more to people and make eye contact when talking. The organization also helps people know their audience, as well as use “vocal variety,” organize their speeches and effectively use body movement. At each meeting up to three formal speeches are given and evaluators give each speaker feedback and coaching. Other members can provide written feedback.

“It’s not just speaking, it’s leadership,” Konopken said. “We have a lot of fun.”

Members of Valley Toastmasters, as well as other Toastmasters clubs, also teach public speaking fundamentals to non-members at businesses, nonprofit organizations and colleges through the Speechcraft program. Some Toastmasters members teach young people similar skills in the Youth Leadership Program.

Membership in the Valley Toastmasters costs $11.50 a month and you must be at least 18 years of age. To learn more about Valley Toastmasters, visit https://valleytoastmasters.net.

 

Author

  • Colleen Sparks

    A 25-year industry veteran, she's written for a variety of outlets including The Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune, Money Talks News, and North Central News.

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