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Idaho Transportation
Department
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
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Proposed Toastmasters club would
improve speaking abilities in variety of arenas

Most people spend the first two years of life learning how to talk and the remainder of their lives striving to do it better. Ranked near the top of nearly everyone’s list of most intimidating, stressful endeavors is public speaking.

Yet, even during the age of electronic communication, there has never been a time when speaking – articulate, persuasive speaking – carries greater importance.

Toastmasters is an international organization committed to empowering individuals to speak effectively in public. ITD employees have an opportunity to tap into Toastmasters’ time-tested methods of improving oral communication. A new Toastmasters club will provide the setting for ITD employees and other interested individuals to learn, apply and perfect their public speaking skills. An organizational meeting is scheduledin the near future.

Formed in 1924, Toastmasters International has helped millions of men and women become more confident in front of an audience.

The mission of Toastmasters is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which all members have the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which, in turn, fosters self-confidence and personal growth.

How can those skills benefit ITD employees? Effective oral communication is paramount in much of what the department seeks to accomplish. Some, but certainly not all, of the arenas include:

Toastmasters participants learn how to conduct meetings, give impromptu speeches, present prepared speeches, and both give and accept constructive evaluations.

Because of its emphasis as a service provider, ITD increasingly relies on effective communications with others. Toastmasters will provide an excellent opportunity to begin refining those skills. Anyone interested in participating at Headquarters or District 3 should contact Julie Gray at 334-8480.

Individual clubs also could be formed in each district if interest is sufficient.

Published 3-17-06