Improve your communication skills: Hospital opens Toastmasters unit to community

BELLEVILLE – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital invites area community members to join its Toastmasters International Club, a nonprofit organization focusing on communication and leadership development, in which professionals can gain confidence and public speaking skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Meetings occur on the first and third Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to noon at the hospital.

St. Elizabeth’s chose to charter a Toastmasters International club as a beneficial colleague development opportunity in February 2013, and has since opened the club to the community. Members have the option to attend either meeting time, organized by St. Elizabeth’s Club, or to attend one of the 13,500 clubs in 116 countries that make up Toastmasters International’s global network of meeting locations.

At each meeting, members have the opportunity to improve leadership and speaking skills by taking turns giving presentations in a relaxed environment, which includes a friendly evaluation from their peers, along with constructive tips for growth. The cost to become a member is $36 biannually.

“Toastmasters isn’t only about developing public speaking and leadership skills for professionals, it truly encompasses how everyone can become a better communicator in their daily lives,” said Leslee Martin, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Club president. “If you or anyone you know would like to improve their communication skills for success, I invite you to join us.”

If you feel unsure about joining the club, free guest visits are encouraged. To find out more about Toastmasters International, visit www.toastmasters.org or contact Leslee Martin at Leslee.Martin@hshs.org or (618) 234-2120, ext. 2843.