February 22, 2006

TRANSFORMATION AT MADERIA BEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL!

     Take Toastmasters International’s Youth Leadership Program, Flossie Miner and Class Teacher Cindy Webb, and what do you get?  We had eighteen shy, giggly, awkward mumbling students who were transformed into charming, confident speakers, able to warm the hearts of parents, grandparents, friends and teachers!  In fact, there were 66 parents, grandparents, and siblings at the gratuation which says a lot!!!

     Toastmasters International designed the Youth Leadership Program to be conducted much like the meetings at a Toastmasters club meeting, except tailored to fit the needs of youngsters.  Local clubs sponsor the program, with participants selected by the club or cooperating organization.  The program consists of eight sessions, one to two hours each, with club members presenting the program. 

     For the Maderia Beach Middle School program, Speak Easy Toastmasters Club 4698 was the sponsoring club, with long-time member Flossie Miner serving as coordinator.  Using the materials developed by Toastmasters International, Toastmaster Miner noted gradual but steady improvement in the youngsters speech preparation and speaking abilities.  Part of the program also is for youngsters to learn leadership skills by serving as officers of the program.  

     The program is usually concluded with a graduation ceremony, often with family and friends in attendance.  Toastmaster Miner reported that by the end of the program, the youngsters had the confidence and skills to plan and prepare their graduation ceremony!  And for their hard work, they were rewarded with over 40 parents, grandparents and friends watch them deliver their graduation speech and receive their Certificates of Completion! 

     What a most heartwarming experience for those eighteen youngsters, their teachers, parents, grandparents and friends!  And as all that have conducted the Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program can testify, these youngsters gain invaluable confidence and communications skills that will serve them extremely well in the years ahead of them.

By: Flossie Miner, ATM

James E. Martin, DTM,

President, Speak Easy Toastmasters Club 4698

1312 Summerlin Dr.

Clearwater Fl 33764

H 727-536-3392

Email:  james.e.martin1@juno.com