The Toastmasters Korea will hold its annual national conference, including a number of workshops and a speech contest at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Yongsan South Post, Saturday.
The Toastmasters Club is an international non-profit organization aimed to improve communication skills and leadership abilities through seminars and speech contests. Established in Santa Ana, California, in 1924, the club now has nearly 250,000 members in 106 countries, including 18 clubs in Korea.
Any adult can join and the members vary from university students to office workers and even retirees.
Seven Koreans and five foreigners will show their oratory talents in the 2010 speech contest. Before the competition, three workshops will focus on how to improve speech skills. "The Toastmasters members try to cultivate skills to express what they know in a clear and effective way," an official from Toastmasters Korea said.
During regular training seminars, each member alternates playing the role of host, speaker and evaluator.
"Public speaking is very important as everyone has to express their talents through speech. For instance, U.S. President Barack Obama and television show host Oprah Winfrey know how to present their ideas effectively."
"We not only learn speech skills but leadership by assuming designated roles," the official said.