The Central Queensland University (CQU) Toastmasters Club hosted a conference of the 6 Mackay and District Toastmasters Clubs last weekend at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) theatre.

Toastmasters is an international organisation that helps people learn the arts of better speaking, listening and thinking which ultimately build leadership and communication skills.

The conference, attended by 50 Toastmasters kicked off with a council meeting chaired by Area Governor Margaret Bazley.

After the meeting, guest speaker Katrina Robertson, a local psychologist and power lifting champion, delivered an inspirational speech on her life and the various challenges she has faced.

The CQU Toastmasters Vice-President of Public Relations and Lecturer at CQU Mackay, Peter Baxter was happy with the standard of the speech contest that followed.

"There was an exceptionally high standard of competition in each of the four speech contests. Toastmasters contested in the areas of International, Evaluation, Humorous, and Table Topics," said Peter.

"The placegetters in the various contest will represent Area 14 at the Northern Division conference due to be held in Darwin in February next year," said Peter.

Peter believes that joining a Toastmasters club can offer people skills for life, regardless of their position or background.

“Toastmasters is all about developing yourself by becoming a better communicator. It’s designed for everyone and each member gains something different out of participating,” said Peter.

The CQU Toastmasters Club meets on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month at lunch time. Those interested in any aspects of Toastmasters are urged to contact Peter Baxter on 4940 7418 or can obtain more information from: www.toastmastersd69.org.

The winners of each category were: International: 1st Brian O'Neill, 2nd Dave Pratchett and 3rd Roland Taylor; Evaluation: 1st Rachel Watson; 2nd Jocelyn Wood and 3rd Brian O'Neill; Humorous: 1st Colin Cameron; 2nd Dave Pratchett and 3rd Andrew Watson; Table Topics: 1st Rachel Watson; 2nd Lynne O'Neill and 3rd Barry Heinemann.

Toastmasters is a worldwide organisation that promotes better speaking, listening and thinking skills among its members. For more information on CQU Toastmasters, contact Peter Baxter on ph 4940 7418 or visit www.toastmastersd69.org.

Photo caption: Winners at the recent Area 14 Toastmasters Conference were (left to right): Brian O'Neill (International), Rachel Watson (Evaluation and Table Topics) and Colin Cameron (Humorous)