Thanks to Toastmasters, Bill Smith and the other 22 members of the local chapter, "Something To Talk About," are never left speechless. They are always prepared to say something and do it with confidence and without anxiety – whether to a small group, a large group or talking with co-workers or friends.
Smith, pictured second from left, gave Wednesday's program at Holiday Hills Country Club, joined by past club president Ninfa Flewitt, left. Also pictured are today's program chair Nancy Cameron and club President David Cairone.
Smith and Flewitt are charter members of Mineral Wells Toastmasters: Something To Talk About, which on Sept. 20 will celebrate the one-anniversary of its charter. You can find the club on Facebook.
The club meets every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel, 4410 U.S. Highway 180 East.
On Aug. 29 the club will host an open house at Best Western with refreshments beginning at 5:30 p.m.and a meeting at 6 p.m.
Toastmasters began as a series of speaking clubs organized by Ralph C. Smedley during his time working for the YMCA in Bloomington, Ill. As director of education at the YMCA, Smedley saw a need for the men in the community to learn how to speak, conduct meetings, plan programs and work on committees, and he wanted to help them.
Smedley decided to organize a club where they could learn these skills in a social environment, and the men responded well to the concept. He named the group the Toastmasters Club – "toastmaster" was a popular term that referred to a person who gave toasts at banquets and other occasions.
The first unofficial Toastmasters meeting was held March 24, 1905. Much like Toastmasters meetings today, the participants took turns leading and speaking at each meeting. Smedley and the older, more experienced men evaluated short speeches, while the younger men were invited to join in the evaluations. However, as Smedley was offered positions at other YMCAs in Illinois and later, in San Jose, California, the fledgling clubs lacked leadership and did not flourish.
For more information about the club or becoming a member, call 940-682-5239 or attend the upcoming open house or one of the weekly Tuesday meetings.
Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country Club for lunch, networking, updates on club projects and a program of interest. Come join us.