Nine months after an international toastmasters’ group came to Dominica, the Nature Island now has its own toastmasters club and a roll call of more than 40 members in the hope of helping people from all walks of life to become better public speakers.
Speaking at the official launch on Saturday, held at the auditorium of the Dominica State College, the President of the Nature Island Toastmasters Club (NITC), Phoenix Belfield, said the NITC aimed to train people “on how to become improved public speakers and better leaders in order to effect transformation in every corner of our beloved society.”
This initiative, he said, has come at a “decisive time, when human resource development has become critically important to national growth and intrinsically tied to the efficiency in our work environments.”
He also mentioned that “It is our belief that as we build new clubs, we will continue to provide a supportive and positive learning experience and that members will be empowered to develop communication and leadership skills.” He hoped that this would result in “greater self-confidence and personal growth as enshrined in our club mission.”
The President also called on unity to effect change in every sphere of the country and said that club could contribute to this.
The term toastmaster, which developed in mid-20th century America, refers to those in charge of proceedings at public events. At that time, organizations were formed to cater to the needs of community and business leaders who wanted to improve their public speaking skills. There is now an organization, Toastmasters International, which focuses on helping fledgling public speakers.
Outstanding achievement, my fellow Toastmasters!
It changes people from depending on being loud and aggressive to get their point across. Civility, persuasion and effectiveness in communication is much needed in any developing country.
Extremely interesting. I see D/ca is not missing out on much. I have a friend who is a member of the toastmasters’ club in Toronto. I am usually given news and good reviews of this club and pertaining to public speaking and other activities in the club.
I did not join the club due to my schedule. This may make me eager to join it this year. I will inform the friend who is not a D/can about it. One day this friend may want to pay D/ca and the toastmaster’s club members a visit.
Good luck to you. It is worth-while being a member. May many D/cans join your club that eventually a few will be opened throughout D/ca.
congrats sis…
*interesting*
It is very intetesting to know that there is an active and vibrant Toastmasters club here in Dominica. As a Toastmaster myself and former executive member of the Mustique Professional Club, I was very much enthused when I read this article. Having recently migrated to Dominica,it is a pleasure to know that i can once more join an esteemed club!
This is great for Dominica ,As a toastmaster myself living on St Maarten, I am very happy for Dominica.
In St Maarten there are seven clubs which shows you that the people there (in St Maarten), take public speaking and self improvement very seriously.
can’t wait to visit and make a presentation when I am down there.
Good luck Nature Isles.
Congratulations Fellow TM’s
I want to join that toastmasters club. Sounds real interested.
This is a much needed initiative. In general the standard of public speaking is abysmally low and boring power-point presentations – usually with the speaker’s back to the audience – only make matters worse.
May I suggest that it be mandatory that all ministers of government become members.
Why am I thinking of that song “Rollie Pollie”
Quite interesting. That is exactly what we need over here in Anguilla.
This club could prove invaluable to the country if it truly serves the purpose for which it was founded. All the best!
Can I join the toastmasters club to get a toaster
Public speaking and leadership skills are assets worth pursuing. A very positive undertaking.
DNO, when putting up pics like this it would be nice to put the names “from L-R” John Lee, Jane Doe etc.. Remember not all of us, even those in DCA know who these people are.
I’d love to join.
How do i join?? will there be trainings on Public Speaking? Can we get some more information, please.
The NITC meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at the DSC Bath estate Campus (Old teachers college)
Meeting starts at 6:00pm…you are most welcome..bring a friend
Nature Isle Toastmasters meet every first and third Thursday of the month at the former teachers college in bath estate. Visit the Facebook page for more information on how to become a member.
Great club in DA. Much success to the NITC. Positive and upward mobility.