Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 07/05) - OK, so proficiency at making toast is not actually the point, but those interested in improving their public speaking may want to check out Inuvik's first ever Toastmasters meeting, planned for 7 p.m. this Friday at the Aurora Research Institute.

Though making toast is not part of a typical Toastmasters club meeting, Mark Winkler, organizer of Inuvik's first-ever Toastmasters gathering, proves that he is, indeed, a master at making toast. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

"It basically helps people practice their public speaking skills," said organizer Mark Winkler, who admitted the name of the organization could be slightly misleading, considering that there is no drinking involved, either, as there often is when somebody makes a toast, at a wedding for example.

"I can't make Toastmasters any more sexy, but I think that if people want to get involved with different boards or community organizations, then this could come in handy."

Inuvik resident Sharon Katz is also involved in trying to get the Toastmasters club happening in town. She says that in order to be recognized as a certified Toastmasters International chapter, at least 20 people are required to sign up.

"For some it's hard to stand in front of a crowd and speak," she said.

"(During club meetings) every aspect of public speaking skills are reviewed to help people improve."

Toastmaster participants can expect to experience all aspects of public speaking, from prepared speeches to 'off-the-cuff' presentations.

What began as a regular gathering of men practising public speaking in the basement of a California YMCA back in 1924, has grown into Toastmasters International, comprising more than 200,000 members in 10,500 clubs in 90 countries worldwide.

Famous Toastmasters include film and television star Tim Allen and tennis legend Billie Jean King.