Many people pay thousands of riyals for various seminars to gain the skill and confidence necessary to face an audience. A toastmasters club is a “learn-by-doing” workshop in which members hone their skills in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. It is very economical and held in high regard in worldwide business circles. It offers a proven and enjoyable way to practice and hone the communication and leadership skills of its members. Toastmasters International Division G under Middle East district 79 organized a marketing workshop in Jeddah last week. It was conducted by District Lt. Governor Khalid Al-Qoud, of marketing, DTM. The training focused on building new toastmasters club, membership and fostering the club quality. The training was attended by Toastmaster officers from 18 clubs in Jeddah, Rabegh, YanbuMakkah and Madina. The training started with a welcome address by Art De Leon, Division G Governor, and ended with the closing remarks by Mohammed Rashid Ali, assistant governor for education & training. Toastmasters International is a leading movement devoted to making effective communication a worldwide reality. It is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches communication and leadership skills through its network of clubs. The organization currently has more than 250,000 members in 12,500 clubs in 106 countries. Since its founding 85 years ago in October 1924, the organization has helped more than four million men and women give presentations with poise and confidence. A toastmasters club is a “learn-by-doing” workshop in which members hone their skills in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Upon joining a toastmasters club, the person progresses through a series of 10 speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. There is no instructor in a toastmasters club. Instead, members evaluate one another's oral presentations. This evaluation process is an integral component of the overall educational program. Besides taking turns delivering prepared speeches and evaluating those of other members, Toastmasters give impromptu talks on assigned topics. They also develop listening skills, conduct meetings and serve as officers in various leadership roles. __
