Toastmasters group launches speakers bureau

COEUR d'ALENE - Toastmasters has launched a speakers bureau to help local organizations find free presenters.

Organizational leaders can now submit a form online to request a speaker. The form is online at www.tmd9.org/SpeakersBureau.html#FindSpeaker.

The speakers bureau enables organizations to be matched with experienced Toastmasters speakers. When Spokane's annual fan-themed convention, SpoCon, needed panel moderators, organizers turned to Toastmasters.

With the launch of a new Toastmasters Speakers Bureau, event planners and organizers can submit a simple form to request speakers. The Speakers Bureau chair will connect the organization with an appropriate choice of speakers shortly after form submission, according to Toastmaster Kathy Hansen.

Hansen said there is no cost to request a speaker, and Toastmasters International does not permit Toastmasters members to receive fees for speaking.

Speakers are available to cover a wide range of topics and types of presentations, from humorous speeches and informative talks to motivational and inspirational speeches.

Event planners can also request Toastmasters members for roles such as panel-discussion moderators, functionaries for political debates, and judges for youth speech competitions.

Hansen said the Speakers Bureau is sponsored by Toastmasters District 9, which encompasses more than 800 members in 60 Toastmasters clubs in Eastern Washington, Northeastern Oregon, and North Idaho.

About 85 of those members reside in the North Idaho area and attend one of four Toastmaster groups.

One is "Talk of the Town," which meets Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. at Coeur d'Alene Fire Station 3, 1500 N. 15th St. in Coeur d'Alene.

The second Toastmasters group is called "Lake City Toastmasters," and meets at noon on Fridays in the Kootenai Health Resource Center to the north of hospital building in Coeur d'Alene.

The third is "Coeur d'Alene Toastmasters," which meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn and Conference Center, 506 W. Appleway.

There is also the "Post Falls Toastmasters," which meets at 7 a.m. at Red Lion Templin's Hotel 414 E. First Ave., Post Falls.

For questions about the Speakers Bureau, contact Kathy Hansen at [email protected], or locally contact Kim Brown at [email protected].