Leading with Confidence

Wouldn’t we all like our teens to be poised and confident? No easy feat when it comes to speaking in front of others. Public speaking is a daunting task for most teens and adults. They say that, after the fear of death, the #2 fear of adults is glossophobia, the fear/anxiety of public speaking. Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization helping over 200,000 members world-wide gain skills and confidence as public speakers. They offer this program, called Gavel Club, to teens.

Recently, a third Washington Gavel Club opened and is now available to all Eastside middle and high school students. Hosted on Wednesday afternoons, this group meets from 1:45-3:15 at the Northlake Unitarian Church at 308 Fourth Avenue South, Kirkland.  

Eloquence Gavel Club’s inaugural meeting was modeled by Gavel and Toastmaster Club members from around the region. As teens watched peers and adults communicate with ease, humor, and confidence, they began to see possibilities for themselves.

Led by the high school students of the L & E (Leadership and Entrepreneurial) Academy, Eloquence Gavel Club gives teens the opportunity to ease their way into public speaking. Perhaps it is by sharing a joke or inspirational story. Slowly, the teens progress through a series of ten speeches and various leadership roles.

Toastmasters explains WHY Gavel Clubs benefit our teens:

·      Successful leaders have the ability to communicate effectively.

·      The unique workshop style design enables participants to develop leadership potential through practical experience.

·      The Youth Leadership program helps young people build skills to become tomorrow’s leaders in business, industry and the community.

·      The program is not in competition with school programs or courses.

Why not send your teen this Wednesday to experience the power and confidence that comes from gaining leadership and public speaking skills? For more information, contact maureeno@LEacademy.org