Left – Area Contest Chairperson Jennifer Mlazgar.  Right – Rachel Allenbrand, winner of the ‘Best  Speaker’ contest.

 

Oliver resident Rachel Allenbrand was thrilled to be declared winner of the recent Toastmasters Area contest, with her speech entitled ‘No Matter What’.

The annual contest was hosted this year by the South Okanagan Toastmasters club in Oliver. Participants came from five different clubs from Penticton to Osoyoos to listen, evaluate, and judge the contestants who competed in two categories: ‘best speaker’ and ‘best evaluator’. Another club member, Jaret Blidook, came second in the ‘Best Evaluator’ category.

Toastmasters is a non-profit organisation with more then 4 million members worldwide. It helps people to become confident speakers and leaders, and to improve their communication skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

“You learn at your own pace, and it’s all hands-on”, says Allenbrand; “There are no lectures or exams, and you are evaluated by other club members who give helpful tips to improve your skills. It’s a great way to learn because you have so much support and encouragement from your club; it really motivates you. Everyone can benefit from Toastmasters …… after all, who doesn’t want to communicate better or increase their self-confidence?”

Allenbrand will now go on to the Division contest in Vernon on April 20 which covers the entire Okanagan Valley and Kootenay areas.

The South Okanagan Toastmasters club meets every Tuesday at 7:00 pm at 5876 Airport Street in Oliver.  Visitors are welcome at any time. You can call 250-490-6799 for more information, or just drop in during a meeting and see what it’s all about.