The University of West Alabama Toastmasters’ Community Club was recently recognized as a “Distinguished Club” for 2012-2013 by Toastmasters International. The club met the majority of its goals to include four members earning educational awards.

Toastmasters Barry Brackin, Zhixin Cao, Alexandria Carson and Verdie Coleman completed a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking and earned the award of competent communicator. Toastmaster Brackin also earned the competent leader designation.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development with more than 292,000 members. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills in a learn-by-doing workshop where members evaluate one another’s prepared presentations. This type of feedback is a key part of the program’s success. Members also give impromptu talks on various topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedures.

The UWA club was chartered in 2011 to provide opportunities to all students, faculty, staff, and interested community members and is sponsored by the College of Business. Meetings are open to everyone and are held the second and fourth Monday of each month Wallace Hall’s Wise Conference Room on campus at 5:00 p.m.

In addition, meetings are held every first and third Monday at the Demopolis Public Library at 5:00 pm.

For additional information, contact Aliquippa Allen at 205-652-3564, Barry Brackin at 334-341-3901 or any toastmasters’ member.