Speechcraft workshop comes to West Prince

A taste of Toastmasters

All eyes are on Connie Wedge, third left, as she prepares to deliver an impromptu speech. Wedge was one of the graduates of a Toastmasters International Speechcraft workshop the West Prince Chamber of Commerce recently hosted. Edith Hogan, right, was the instructor for the six-week course. Tammy Rix, left, West Prince Chamber executive director, took the training in Summerside and brought the training west. Program graduates are, from second left, Colleen Parker, Wedge, Lucille Brennan, Barb MacDonald, Myrna Gavin and, missing, Brad Arsenault, Ruby Arsenault and Ernie Hudson. - Eric McCarthy

ALBERTON

The executive director of the West Prince Chamber of Commerce is hoping a recent Speechcraft workshop in West Prince will become a stepping stone to a Toastmasters International Speak-Easy program in the region.

Tammy Rix had attended a Speechcraft workshop in Summerside and subsequently arranged for the workshop to be offered in West Prince. Edith Hogan from Summerside Toastmasters was the instructor. “You meet new people; that’s what I enjoy,” Hogan said in describing the Toastmasters experience.

Connie Wedge was one of eight participants who successfully completed the six-session Speechcraft program. “I’m a bit nervous speaking in public,” she said. “I felt it would be beneficial to my business and I learned a lot.”

Rix said about 20 participants would be needed to form a West Prince Toastmasters Club. she will be seeking names of people over the summer who would be interested in a fall start-up.

The program helps with professional development, she explained.