Take a look at the title of this blog! When asked to give your opinion...do you panick, sweat or become sick at the thought of answering a question or presenting your opinion.

If you answer yes to either of the above. Then we can help you overcome that nervousness and become a better Communicator and Leader in your workplace and your community.

Toastmaster's International is a worldwide organization leader in improving communication and leadership skills for the past 87 years. It started in 1924, with Dr. Ralph Smedley's first Club giving young men the opportunity to improve their communication skills at the local YMCA in California. Since then, Toastmaster's International has helped men and women from all walks of life to become better communicators and leaders in their communities and workplaces.

Barrhaven Toastmasters had a themed meeting night on March 09 - Barrhaven Speech Idol -

Three speakers, Heather Pardon, Gord Bell and Sue Zheng entered the Speech Idol contest and spoke in front of the audience and a panel of judges.

We had a great meeting Jan 5 - first meeting of 2011!

The meeting on Sep 8 was filled with the members achievement awards.

Picture on the left, our honored guest won the Best Table Topics award, in the middle - Sue Zheng received the district 61 pin in recognition of the completion of Competent Communicator, on the right - Felice Miranda received the district 61 pin in recognition of the completion of Competent Leadership. Great work and congratulations to all three. We have amazing members and enthusiastic guests who try their best to be a better communicator at our weekly club meeting.

On Sep 1, Barrhaven Toastmasters hosted "Speech Evaluation Workshop" led by Harry Kingston. Harry, a champion of Speech Evaluation Contest at District 61 in 2008, and Distinguished Toastmasters, shared us valuable tips on evaluation that can apply not only on Toastmasters context but on different situations in our lives. Thank you Harry.

Our next big event is Barrhaven Toastmasters Club Speech Contest on Sep 22. Mark your calendar  as you do not want to miss a great educational night.

Congratulations for the Ice Breaker speech done by Matt Zadow, a newest club member who joined the club in July. Matt spoke about his favorite books and his goals in Toastmaster. This was the second Ice Breaker speech  done by the new member this summer. New members are actively participating to the club meetings to take the benefit of Toastmaster to maximum, using our club's "mutually supportive and positive learning environment" to improve the speaking skills and the confidence. Well done, Matt!

All members at the meeting spoke at the Table Topics and John Tallet was voted as the best Table Topics speaker of the meeting. Congrat John!

Congratulations for all who participated in Open House meeting on July 28. The meeting was a great success with 6 guests in attendance. Our guest speaker, Jenny Murphy broke the ice with her speech on "our five senses" while our second guest speaker, Beverley Miranda, told her Toastmaster journey and "confidence and skills" she gained through the TM program.  All enjoyed the two great guest speakers speeches.

This week`s meeting led by Toastmaster Rattan was packed with actions. Congratulations Daljit for his Ice Breaker Speech and Michelle for her CC project 4 speech (almost half CC projects).

We voted in a new club member: Matt. Matt jumped right into the meeting by taking the Timer role. Welcome to the club, Matt.

We had four guests at the meeting. Some of them took a part in Table Topics and a guest won the Best Table Topics award. Well done everyone and see you next Wednesday.

Do you enjoy competing, organizing or watching Toastmaster contests? Here comes our annual Spring contest - Table Topics and Internation Speech Contests!

The date for these contests in Barrhaven Taostmaster club is set: Wednesday, Feb.10th, 2009.

You are warmly invited to participate and enjoy a great night, members or non-members!