Toastmasters' PR Officer, Michael Varma with Mayor Kang.

Irvine Mayor Sukee Kang proclaimed October 2009 as Toastmasters’ Month, in celebration of the non-profit organization’s 85 years helping members learn to feel comfortable speaking in front of groups.

Mayor Kang said, “The ability to speak in a clear and effective manner is a powerful and important skill that can help people overcome barriers to a measurable performance in virtually every endeavor and line of work.” The City Council encouraged all citizens to seize the opportunities offered by this organization.

Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Toastmasters International has 12,500 clubs serving 252,000 active members in 106 countries around the world and has helped more than four million men and women give presentations with poise and confidence.

Toastmasters provides a supportive learning environment where members can build self-confidence and communication skills necessary to succeed in personal and professional endeavors. South Orange County has many clubs with a few in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna, and an impressive 31 clubs in Irvine.

Membership fees average $75.00 per year and include all meetings, a monthly magazine, training manuals and access to six communication and leadership conferences annually. For more information or to find a local Toastmasters club, go to www.toastmasters.org.