Toastmasters international president featured at free event May 5

Baker College will host the 2014-2015 international president of Toastmasters International for a free event that is open to the public, Tuesday, May 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Baker College of Flint, 1050 W. Bristol Road, Flint, in the Center for Engineering and Computer Technology. Reservations are not necessary and light refreshments will be served.

Mohammed Murad, DTM, of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will present a fun, creative and informative session on understanding the team dynamic and how individuals can add value to their teams.

“Research continually shows that public speaking is the number one fear of Americans,” said Niki Perkins, CPRW, director of career services for Baker College. “As a career college, Baker College believes that mastery of public speaking is critical to personal and professional development. This session, led by Mr. Murad, will highlight how individuals play an important role in teams and will demonstrate how effective communication skills and confidence can make all the difference in delivering information.”

Murad will also provide information about Baker College’s Toastmasters club, Baker Buzzz, which will hold an open house for prospective members, Thursday, May 14, noon-1 p.m.

Perkins described the monthly meetings of Baker Buzzz as providing a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Murad says Toastmasters will always be important in his life. “I am excited by the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given me so much,” he said.

As international president, Murad is a working ambassador for the organization. He works with the board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission of empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Murad is an entrepreneur and managing director of three companies. He holds an MBA and a Master of Quality Management degree from the University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. He is also a graduate of the City of Dubai’s Leadership Development Program and has received training at Harvard, London Business School and the Singapore School of Government.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1996, Murad is a member of Toastmasters Dubai Chapter club in Dubai. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Approximately 313,000 members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending meetings at one of the 14,650 clubs in 126 countries in the Toastmaster global network.

For more information about the May 5 event featuring International Toastmasters President Mohammed Murad or joining the Toastmasters Baker Buzzz club, contact Baker College career services office at 810.766.8754 or amanda.banks@baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 28,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in online education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.