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Toastmasters’ Open House on Jan. 30 to offer program overview, speaking tips

By Staff | Jan 16, 2014

Michael Lanzo is the president of the Kapalua Toastmasters.

KAPALUA – “Beat the January Post-Holiday Blahs – Join Toastmasters Open House” is the theme of an informational meeting and reception set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Kapalua Resort for people who want to learn more about becoming confident speakers.

Past members, interested recruits and the curious are encouraged to attend.

Toastmasters will take participants through a demonstration meeting describing each of the roles members play in a meeting.

These include: Toastmaster (master of ceremonies), joke master, grammarian, “Ahh counter,” timer, table topics master, presenter and evaluator.

Veteran Toastmasters Kahu David Kapaku, Mandy Woulfe (who won recognition in a recent district competition), Carolyn Belsom and club President Mike Lanzo will be featured speakers.

“Membership in Toastmasters is a proven way to become better at public speaking,” said Lanzo.

He emphasized that the environment at the Kapalua Club is always friendly and supportive.

He noted that members come from all parts of West Maui, not just the north side. “Everyone is welcome,” he said.

“The program is designed to encourage as well as to teach,” explained Lanzo. “Some members are beginners; others have become very experienced in their speech deliveries. Everyone helps each other here. By learning to effectively formulate and express ideas, participants open an entirely new world of possibilities.”

Toastmasters provides a time-proven system that takes members through a “10-talk” program of skill development aimed at building confidence and offers an advanced communication series as well.

The part known as “Table Topics” gets members on their feet speaking at virtually every meeting. With Table Topics, members draw a topic randomly and speak about it spontaneously for two to three minutes.

“This gets even the most novice among us on his or her feet in front of an audience,” Lanzo said. Open house participants who want to draw a topic will be invited to try it.

Newer members work from the “Competent Communication Guide,” with assignments and tips given to assist.

All members receive a monthly magazine with articles that teach and inspire. “Everything is included for a very modest quarterly fee,” said Lanzo.

The reception, including pupus and a door prize drawing for a free membership, will be held at the regular meeting place for Toastmasters at Kapalua Resort Club located at the Kapalua Activity Center on Office Road just off Honoapiilani Highway. Turn on Office Road and take the second right. Parking is available at the center and across the street.

Chartered in January 2007, Toastmasters at Kapalua will be celebrating its seventh anniversary with this open house reception.

Regular meetings take place every Thursday at 6 p.m. and last one hour. Toastmasters at Kapalua is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit organization established 90 years ago.

Those interested in learning more and attending the reception can contact Membership Chair Sara Foley at 667-0589 or sara@mauicommunicators.com.