Sunrise Toastmasters began 35 years ago and one foundation member remains. Chris McCabe today spoke of the founding when members of a Tuesday salespersons club, meeting at the Christchurch Town Hall decided to further their speaking skills by forming the 3rd Christchurch Toastmasters Club.
Toastmaster club numbers have increased across the district since those initial organisations, providing choices of locations, times and days of meetings. From small beginnings Sunrise membership numbers have generally been very healthy, peaking near 40. Currently we have 28 members spanning wide ages, skill sets and vocations.
Christchurch Sunrise Toastmasters has consistently been a Thursday morning club. Although the 7.00 to 8.30am may appear difficult for some who are not used to rising for such an early start, it seems that it becomes hard to break the habit when there is so much inspiration and stimulus from member's articulate presentations, good-hearted stories and humour.
Most of the meetings proceedings are evaluated, and even seasoned toastmasters welcome recommendations that will help improve their speaking skills.
Speechcraft sessions have taken Sunrise members into the community, including prison and rehabilitation facilities to help others develop their abilities.
Although we meet regularly at one venue, off site meetings will occasionally occur in such varied places as on the Christchurch trams, Rehua Marae, in the open air of Cathedral Square and at the new Ministry of Education offices.
Everyone can benefit from increasing their communication, public speaking and leadership abilities. Our club has helped people who have gone on to directly make use of what they have developed at Sunrise, including a television presenter and a politician. You too can lift your skills and your profile.
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