Help for the Nervous Speaker

If you get nervous speaking to individuals or to a group of people, or you just want to communicate more effectively, then Lincoln-Way Toastmasters is for you.

Pictured above is Mark Avignone and his family. This past year, he was President of Lincoln-Way Toastmasters (LWTM) which is a local chapter of Toastmasters International. Toastmasters is a non-profit organization with over 280,000 members and more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries. Toastmasters exists to turn everyday people into effective communicators and leaders. Most people join Toastmasters to become more confident with their communication and/or group leadership skills.

Due to COVID-19, LWTM met virtually from March of 2020 to March of 2022. After two years of holding Zoom meetings, Mark sensed that it was time to go back to in-person meetings. This past Spring, the weather improved and COVID was less severe, so going back to in-person meetings seemed like the logical choice. LWTM kept the virtual element for those that still wished to join from home. Some members live far, or for those members that feel under the weather or unable to drive to meetings, virtual meetings can be very convenient.

Of course, the challenge was addressing technical issues that came with in-person and virtual components of a meeting. The meeting location needs good, reliable internet service, web cameras, a microphone, speakers, a big-screen monitor, and other accessories. You need to know how to connect everything and how to troubleshoot unexpected technical issues. Mark single-handily figured out how to do all of this. He also reached out to other Toastmasters clubs that were already doing in-person and virtual meetings for guidance. Since April, LWTM has held hybrid meetings which include both in-person and virtual attendees.

Also, this past year, LWTM was recognized as a President’s Distinguished Toastmasters Club which is the highest recognition that a club can receive. To receive this distinction, a club must maintain a certain number of members, its members must reach various educational milestones and the club must function effectively. Less than five percent of all Toastmasters clubs reach this distinction. This is the fourth year in a row that LWTM has reached President’s Distinguished. It is apparent that Mark was an excellent President.

Mark has been a member of LWTM for 15 years and more recently joined an improv-based Toastmasters club called Yes And Toastmasters which meets in Bolingbrook, IL. Mark also lives in Bolingbrook as an entrepreneur and runs several small businesses. He is married to his wife Tracy, and they have two daughters (ages 8 and 4). Being an entrepreneur gives him the flexibility of being with his family on his terms.

Mark formerly lived in Mokena. When he moved to Bolingbrook, he wanted to stay connected to LWTM and maintained his membership. Mark says, “Toastmasters has really benefited my life. For me, it is not about public speaking but more about improving my communication and leadership skills, which are essential skills for everyone. Toastmasters is also a great way to network and meet other like-minded people. In fact, I’ve met several people in Toastmasters throughout the years that I am happy to now call my friends.”

If you want to develop your communication skills both in front of a group or one-on-one, you should attend a LWTM meeting. Lincoln-Way Toastmasters is a friendly, supportive group with a proven track record of member success. Guests are always welcome at our meetings, and you are never under any obligation. LWTM is non-profit and our membership fees are very nominal. The membership is open to all individuals 18 years or older.

LWTM meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 7:30 PM in-person and virtually. Our in-person meetings are held at the Frankfort Village Hall, located at 432 Nebraska Street, Frankfort, IL. For more information, please email Thad Gray at: mail4thad@yahoo.com.