The fear of public speaking is one of the top fears in the world.
High River Toastmasters is here to help with that in a positive, encouraging environment.
Jocelyn Hastie, vice-president of education, is quite the role model as she had to relearn how to speak after having part of her tongue removed due to cancer.
"I was diagnosed with stage four squamous cell carcinoma in the tongue base, and that fortunately is in the rear-view mirror. No recurrences or any sign thereof, and I'm now discharged from all of the programs and follow-ups. Ten years clear now, so that's very exciting. Last November, it was ten years clear."
Hastie added that thanks to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, her horse and Toastmasters, she's glad to be alive and able to share what Toastmasters is all about and can do for you if you struggle with public speaking.
The club has been meeting twice a month at the Silverland Hall, where the Scouts meet, but has returned to their old stomping grounds, so to speak, at the High River Library.
"It's the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. Now, evaluations don't need to be painful, and in Toastmasters, they're not, but it is always done with very specific and actionable comments made to really help you move along with your speaking."
It's also an exciting time to join the club as they're in the middle of their speech competition which Hastie is right in the thick of it.
"We're starting contest season again, and we go through several levels, first the club and four clubs in an area. I was nominated forward from the club, I was the only one competing, but I made it through Area, and then I'll be competing at Division on April 12. That's sixteen clubs competing there, and if I'm successful there it will be on to District, which is one hundred clubs, all of Southern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan.
Call the club for more information at (403) 369-8776.