Toastmasters creates confident communicators at CMS JMG
By: Dawna Jean Turchon, President-Kennebec Valley Toastmasters
Ryan Sweeney JMG Specialist-China Middle School
Eighth-grade JMG students at CMS participated in a four-session program called Speechcrafters offered by Toastmasters International, a non-profit organization that provides a supportive and positive learning experience where members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
At CMS, Speechcrafters, instructed by Dawna-Jean Turchon and Brian Heath, focused on the basics in communication: body language, vocal variety, eye contact, and grammar. According to student Lorenzo Michaud, “the biggest impact was building my confidence using gestures and eye contact with my audience. I know I will be a better communicator because of Speechcrafters.” Cailee Elsasser added that, “Brian and Dawna made it a comfortable atmosphere where you get constructive feedback and no negativity or judgment.”
For more information on Toastmasters, visit www.toastmasters.org. For more information on Kennebec Valley Toastmasters, visit www.kvtm.toastmastersclubs.org.