Toastmasters celebrate one year 'Communicating for the Cure'

Brief

Dr. Michael Davis perfects his public speaking and communications skills during a presentation for the Center's "Communicating for the Cure" Toastmasters. Photo by Todd McNaught

It's been one year since Toastmasters International opened a new club — "Communicating for the Cure" — on campus for Hutchinson Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance employees. "Communicating for the Cure" members join more than 3 million men and women of all ages and occupations in more then 90 countries who have benefited from Toastmasters training. Employees face an endless exchange of ideas, messages and information as they deal with one another and with customers day after day. Success depends on communication. Through Toastmasters, employees receive tools to help them become effective communicators and leaders at a very low cost.

The mission of Toastmasters is to "provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop and practice communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth." Toastmasters training helps employees:

• Give better presentations
• Hone their management skills
• Work cooperatively with others
• Effectively develop and present ideas
• Offer constructive criticism
• Accept criticism objectively

"Communicating for the Cure" meets every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Each week, members rotate in roles that involve giving speeches, facilitating and formally evaluating both another member's speech and the entire meeting. During the table-topics session, members learn the art of thinking on their feet. "Communicating for the Cure" is a fun and dynamic club that provides a positive, supportive and friendly environment to help each member fulfill their self-development goals. Visitors are always welcome to sit in, observe or participate in a meeting. For more information, contact Dr. Wenhong Fan, vice president of membership, at wfan@fhcrc.org; Sue Hall, vice president of public relations, sphall@fhcrc.org; or Renee Ireton, president, rireton@fhcrc.org or visit www.commcure.org.

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