Westlake Toastmasters Open House

Westlake, OH – Westlake Toastmasters Club 497, a branch of Toastmasters International, held an Open House on 3/13/2019 to expose the public to the benefits of the organization. Toastmasters helps individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills.

Every week, members choose to participate in speaking engagements ranging from one minute to 15 minutes, in general. In the one-hour meeting, there is a slot for two prepared speeches, as well as several one to two minute speaking slots for extemporaneous speeches. Impromptu speaking helps members to get comfortable in unfamiliar situations and to think on their feet. Members have the opportunity to uplift the club with inspiring words as well as expand their vocabulary by introducing a new word at each meeting. Members and visitors are encouraged to incorporate the new vocabulary word in their speeches and speaking tasks during each meeting.

On March 13th, there were two outstanding prepared speeches. The club president, Danielle Ross Wroblewski, gave a speech on the benefits of having a mentor. Loren Dill, club treasurer, gave a speech on mentoring refugees. After speeches are delivered, the speakers receive immediate feedback during the evaluation portion of the meeting. The club meeting has a theme every week, and this week's Open House theme was ‘Talk Up Toastmasters’. Seasoned members shared how Toastmasters has helped them in their everyday lives, and this helped the interested guests to
understand the enormous value that members receive. Our weekly meetings are held from 12:00pm to 1:15pm, and for the Open House lunch and refreshments were provided.

It was a successful day for Westlake Toastmasters Club 497. Several members and guests went home with prizes that were won from the raffle.

Improving speaking and presentational skills is possible around a group of encouraging individuals. Whether you are a beginner at public speaking or have years of practice, joining Toastmasters will help you to gain the confidence and poise to speak at any event no matter the audience size.

Westlake Toastmasters Club 497 was established in 1987 and is a part of District 10 Toastmasters, which covers Northeast Ohio. The club meets every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1:15 in Westlake Porter Library, The Dover Room.

Guests are always welcome.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the organization's membership exceeds 352,000 in more than 16,400 clubs in 141 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter