MEET THE SPEAKERS!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
A message from our President:
Few of us would disagree that the ability to speak to a group in an informative, entertaining, persuasive and passionate way is a valuable skill. However, overcoming a fear of public speaking is difficult to do. Practicing this skill in a structured way, with a supportive group, we become more confident. The confidence to convey ideas, thoughts and emotions in a way that is understood, is truly empowering.
We are extremely fortunate to have several experienced and accomplished speakers at South Bay Toastmasters Club 280. Speakers, who like many of us, were looking for a way to obtain this skill and all its benefits. On May 25th five of these speakers will tell their stories; why they chose Toastmasters, what they struggled with, when they found confidence and how they continue to develop a voice that is uniquely their own.
If you are new to public speaking or looking to develop a more dynamic style, please join us Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. You need not be a Member and there is no fee for attending. There will be opportunities to ask questions during the meeting and at the break.
See you there!
- Kristy Brown
When I was in my 20's I ran into an old....sorta...friend who use to tease me and make me blush. (Which I did quite easily!) He then suggested that I join Toastmasters so I wouldn't be so shy (stop laughing!) I would gain confidence and maybe stop blushing. I was also too uncomfortable in groups to run counseling groups (which I was supposed to do for my job!) So, I took the suggestion and joined Toastmasters, in six months I was Club President and discovered I had some talent in speech competitions. I went as far as District with my first humorous speech...and an addict was born! Then I moved to California and left Toastmasters behind...or so I thought! In April of 2013, I finally found my way back to Toastmasters and joined Club 280, where that old addiction reared it's head and I was back writing speeches and learning the craft of speaking!
Terri Murphy
Our Panel of Speakers
Kevin Johnson
Toastmasters South Bay Club 280 has enriched my professional and personal life for over twenty years. I remember seeing a neon yellow paper lying in the road. The flyer was covered with tire marks and I still picked it up! It was an invitation to improve my public speaking skills. The fear of public speaking overwhelmed me at first. I struggled with serious topics and practicing prepared speeches. However, I was determined to succeed. My fellow members encouraged me and provided feedback as my skills improved. Public speaking success would not have been possible without their guidance. Eventually, the mentor program was established and ensured that no member was left to struggle alone. I have held many offices, including President, Vice President of Education, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Public Relations and Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms after only my second meeting. I have competed in speaking contests and helped co-ordinate many others. My passion is to help others succeed with their public speaking goals. I have always defined luck as opportunity met with action. The friendships I have enjoyed and the fun events I have attended through this organization have made me an extremely lucky man.
Cary Kellems
Born the middle child of a middle American family, I was raised on alternate coasts until ultimately settling in southern California. And my head has never stopped spinning. I had quietly experienced my life (the seventies, the eighties and truth be told I don't remember the nineties) until that faithful day when I entered the Toastmaster zone. I eagerly return each week to watch and wait as the episode unfolds and the stories are told. I watch and learn, I watch and share, I watch and become more than who I was before. I attempt to give back to all my friends; commensurate to my abilities. I am grateful to my lucky stars and my lucky charms that I found Toastmasters. In that vein I am here tonight.
Gary La Tourette
I am a realtor with Re/Max Estate Properties, and passionate about providing my clients with the best home selling and buying experience possible. Prior to entering real estate, I was a Resource Specialist Teacher working with special needs students for Los Angeles Unified School District. In both of these roles, excellent communication, which includes listening to the other side, is extremely important. I enjoy Toastmasters because of the opportunity to hone these communication skills and of course, get a piece of pie periodically at Marie Calendar's. However, my favorite aspect of Toastmasters are the friendships and support that South Bay Toastmasters provides everyone who steps through the threshold of club 280. When I’m not meeting with clients, I enjoy triathlons (well, at least the swimming and biking parts).
Stuart Mosher
I joined South Bay Toastmasters in 2002 to meet new friends and I have stayed for over 13 years because I have met so many great people. Thanks to the help and support of so many people I won the Area D1 humorous speech contest in 2003 and the Area D2 table topics contest in 2004. I also took advantage of the leadership opportunities available and learned so much about myself and leadership. I was Area D5 Director in 2005 and District Treasurer in 2007. I earned my Distinguished Toastmaster designation in 2009. Outside of Toastmasters, I enjoy reading murder mysteries and watching murder mystery TV shows in English and Japanese. I also enjoy square dancing most Saturday nights.
