Did you ever have to speak in front of a group and wish to hide until it was over? Have you ever had clammy hands, nervous shaking and butterflies in your stomach when you are asked to speak to a group? Well, you are not the only one. The number one fear of people is not death, but public speaking.

Toastmasters offers a supportive environment for learning to confidently speak in front of a group and will have you over these fears in no time. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation.

Toastmasters is for everyone. Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent, business owner or retiree, Toastmasters is an efficient and enjoyable way to gain great communication skills.

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Mesquite is a thriving retirement community full of talented people. Toastmasters offers an opportunity for them to relive their life adventures and what they’ve learned by sharing them with others. Everyone has stories to tell. They get to talk about life experiences, travel, kids and grandkids and anything else that interests them.

Professionals, business owners and mangers need the ability to communicate and promote their ideas, services, profession or business. This ability is one of the keys to business and career success – why wouldn’t you want to develop speaking and leadership skills?

A friend tells the story of his first job in a Big Eight public accounting firm. He said it took him about 10 minutes to recognize that the people with the large corner offices didn’t always have the best technical knowledge but they almost always had the best communication and leadership skills.

Our members include teachers, doctors, community educators, business professionals and people from virtually all walks of life. We learn something new every week and meet and get to know new and interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Most importantly, we have a lot of fun!

Toastmasters offers a supportive environment for learning to prepare speeches, listen to and evaluate speeches, to “speak on your feet,” and to build leadership skills. By participating in a typical meeting, members soon become confident, capable communicators and leaders. Since 1924, more than 4 million people around the world have become more confident speakers and community leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters.

Everyone is welcome to attend meetings as a guest and check it out. Don’t worry, guests don’t have to talk or give a speech but if you join you’ll find you’ll be doing so with confidence in no time.

Mesquite Silver Tongued Toastmasters meets Tuesdays from 8 to 9 a.m. at Scottys Restaurant at the Falcon Ridge Golf Course. Call Chris at 435 229-9946 or go to http://mesquite.toastmastersclubs.org for more information and the date of our next meeting.