Toastmasters plan vicarious travel event

Got cabin fever? Want to travel this winter, but don’t have the funds? Thompson Falls Toastmasters plans a free event to vicariously let the public hear about others’ adventures.

“Tales of Other Far Off Places” is set for 6-8 p.m. next Thursday, Feb. 15 at Thompson Falls Public Library, 911 Main Street. Club members encourage the public to come hear stories told – short and a little longer – about travel adventures to Malaysia, France, Israel, England and other spots around the globe.

“The theme of travel will be fun for the community, just as it is when Toastmasters members share their stories and adventures,” said charter member Sandra Gubel of Thompson Falls Toastmasters.

“Refreshments will be served. We also have a few surprises planned,” said club president Gigi Comer. “And there are no passports required!”

The mission of Toastmasters International is to empower people to become more effective communicators and leaders, in a fun and supportive setting.

Toastmasters is not just giving speeches, said Gubel.

The organization best explains it this way, she said, “The world needs leaders. Leaders head families, coach teams, run businesses and mentor others. These leaders must not only accomplish, they must communicate. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge from the Toastmasters program.

“Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech,” Comer added. “During their journey, members learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners is the path to leadership.”

Toastmasters International, of which Thompson Falls Toastmasters are a part – has over 352,000 members, in 16,400 clubs, in 141 countries around the world.

For more information, call Gigi Comer at 827-3277.