KUCHING: The Toastmasters Clubs in District 87, Division D (Kuching, Bintulu, Miri and Brunei) are set to organise workshops next year to strengthen communication and leadership skills for the public.
Its Division D director and distinguished toastmaster, Joanna Then Poh Ding, said under the newly launched Champions of Change Initiative, the division is working closely with various stakeholders, including associations and organisations, to co-organise the upcoming workshops.
“These workshops will provide opportunities for the general public, including youths, to explore Toastmasters and take their first steps towards enhancing their communication and leadership abilities.
“The free workshops are expected to commence in early February 2026, with outreach efforts conducted through the media, including social media platforms,” she said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 16).
She added that a variety of workshops will be held throughout the year, including the Toastmasters Speechcraft Workshop, which helps participants develop speaking skills through a condensed version of the Toastmasters member experience.
“We will also organise demonstration meetings (demo meetings) to introduce the Toastmasters programme to non-Toastmasters.
“Essentially, a demo meeting mimics the structure and feel of a regular meeting, various sections include prepared speeches, impromptu speeches and speech evaluation.”
To spearhead the various communication and leadership skills development programmes for both Toastmasters and members of the public (non-Toastmasters), Then also shared on the importance of the recent Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) Round 2 training for club officers from Toastmasters Clubs in Division D.
“Aptly themed ‘Dream It, Do It’, the training sessions were held on Dec 6 at the Sarawak United People’s Party headquarters and on Dec 13 in Bintulu at the Bintulu Foochow Association.
“A total of 100 club officers from various Toastmasters clubs attended the training sessions.”
Commenting on the aforementioned TLI training sessions, Then said the TLI training for club officers are held twice a year.
“An important part of the training sessions is developing a real-world skill set to facilitate their various role(s) as club officers, including working closely with members, as they complete the various Toastmasters education programmes – truly, a life-changing experience for our members!”
For more information, contact Then, at +6012-8081855 or Stanley Gona Chee Khiong, Division D public relations officer at +6012-8865138.
