A toast to better speaking

A member of the Wing One Toastmasters Club keeps time for another individual while he gives an icebreaker speech June 22, 2016, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The Wing One Toastmasters Club is a way to get past the fear of public speaking, while networking and having fun with other people across a wide spectrum. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)

A toast to better speaking

Published June 23, 2016
By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Many people fear speaking in front of a group of people, and being a member of Toastmasters can help an individual overcome that obstacle.

Toastmasters was founded in 1924 by Ralph C. Smedley as a series of speaking clubs for the men in his community to learn to speak effectively.

"The number one problem in relationships is communication," said Marla Merriman, Toastmasters club member. "As a member of Toastmasters, I can learn to communicate and network to have professional relationships."

A Distinguished Toastmaster is the highest award the organization bestows. To be a distinguished Toastmaster, there are two tracks to complete--communication and leadership, and they can both be accomplished at the same time.

Every rank in Toastmasters is earned. A Distinguished Toastmaster can be obtained in three years and is recognized on a superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership.

"Attendance to every meeting is not required to participate in any of the speeches," said Master Sgt. Tiffany Waldren, 341st Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of physiology and newly appointed Wing One Toastmasters President. "If a person is not comfortable speaking beyond an introduction, then they don't have to."

Military members and civilians are able to participate in Toastmasters. There is no speaking skill expectation required to attend a meeting or to participate.

There are currently four Toastmasters Clubs in Great Falls that meet on different days. The Wing One Toastmasters meet Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Speakeasy Toastmasters meet Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., the Electric City Noon Toastmasters Club meet Thursday at noon, and the River's View Club meets Wednesday at 6:45 a.m.

"We laugh a lot," Waldren said. "Our club is small and compromised of both military and civilians with all ranges of speaking skills."

Wing One Toastmasters was charted in 2015 by Chris Davis, who has since transferred to Japan.

"He had a passion for having a Toastmasters Club here in town," Merriman said.

"Toastmasters has given me a greater sense of self-confidence in my communication skills," Waldren said. "It has made me more comfortable with being asked to speak in public with little to no preparation."

For more information on Toastmasters visit www.toastmasters.org.