PHUKET: According to an article posted in the Psychology Today website, “Surveys about our fears commonly show fear of public speaking at the top of the list. Our fear … is so great that we fear it more than death.”

Monday 18 August 2014, 01:24PM

For those terrified of public speaking, next month will see the launch in Phuket of an organisation that offers training in speech-making without fear – Toastmasters.

There was an attempt in 2002 to launch Toastmasters in Phuket, but it came to nothing.

Now “business motivator” and property expert Joanne Bayliss plans to make Toastmasters really work on the island. Here she explains what the organisation is about.

What exactly is Toastmasters?

It is a non-profit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Founded in 1924 and headquartered in California, today the organisation has more than 292,000 members in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries.

Since its founding, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

And what about the new Phuket club?

We will have our initial meeting in September. To attend, and become a member, there is a nominal fee to join, which includes a full membership pack. This is a very good opportunity for anyone and everyone to join the first Toastmasters Club in Phuket.

Who are your specific target audiences in Phuket? Groups, organisations or individuals? Everyone who is 18 years or older can be a Toastmasters member. The new club in Phuket will be a Community Club open to everyone.

How will members benefit?

They will practice their communication and leadership skills by attending meetings – every two weeks in the low season, and once a month in high season – in the safe and supportive environment using Toastmasters International Educational System, which has been time-tested for 90 years.

What’s the greater plan/vision for the coming year, five years – in Phuket, Thailand and internationally?

Now we have a Toastmasters Club in Haad Yai and one in Rajabhat University Surat Thani. With Phuket and one more club in Southern Thailand, we can form an Area, and club officers can step up to serve as an Area Governor.

Our vision is to build 15 new clubs in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam by June next year to allow people from all walks of life in the region develop their communication and leadership skills.

How can interested audiences/stakeholders get involved/find out more?

For more information or to become a member email me.