IN the modern world, there’s been an emergence of a number of international clubs promoting community service and personal self-development.

Toastmasters (TM) International has attracted men and women in 142 countries, forming about 16,000 Clubs.

In Guyana, Toastmasters International has been fairly active over the years, and seen many prominent persons acquiring their first skills in public speaking and leadership from their experience as Toastmasters.

There are seven active Clubs in Guyana, five of which five are Corporate and two are Community.  The Corporate Clubs are those which exist in business entities.
Corporate businessed are progressively learning that having a Toastmasters Club among their staff is an inexpensive and pleasant way of training and development.

The Toastmasters Clubs in Guyana have been quite active in the International Conferences which are held in various countries each year.  The Guyana Clubs take part in the District 81 Conference, which generate much interest in member countries in the Caribbean region.
Guyana’s participation in these Caribbean Conferences projects a positive image of the country, and this is especially so when Guyanese perform exceptionally well at the Speech Contests.

In the last two years, two Guyanese girls have made a memorable impact at the  District 81 Speech Contests.

In October 2016, Toastmaster Mizana Gonsalves participated in the District 81 Humourous Speech Contest held in Curaçao.  She placed second among 14 participants and brought the house down with laughter with her presentation, entitled “Sticks”.
TM Mizana is a member of the Bank of Guyana Royale Toastmasters Club.

At the Region’s Prepared Speech Contest held in Barbados in May 2017, Toastmaster Tashi Browne won second place with her presentation, “Stifle Those Limitations”.
She competed against 11 other Toastmasters. TM Tashi, with her persuasive and sincere style, won the hearts of the audience who enthusiastically applauded her.
TM Tashi is a member of the Cacique Toastmasters Club.

Both young ladies have been, like other men and women, enthusiastically participating in National Toastmasters Contests, and aspire to reach the highest rank of Distinguished Toastmaster.

They would also like to encourage other Guyanese to join or form Clubs, so as to help in their personal development and participate in a useful network.  Those interested could email: guyanatoastmasters@gmail.com