Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program Improv Theater Camp

Today, many teenagers seem more comfortable communicating electronically than speaking face to face. Yet many events in teenagers’ lives require interpersonal communication skills (and confidence) to be resolved successfully. Now, more than ever, they need guidance in developing their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. All these skills are necessary for earning a living in today’s competitive job market, but they are also essential for maintaining healthy personal relationships and achieving academic goals.

Here comes the benefit of a Youth Leadership Gavel club. Gavel clubs are made possible by Toastmasters International for children below age 18. A Youth Leadership Gavel club helps children improve their public speaking and leadership skills.

What is Toastmasters international?

Toastmasters International, USA is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the World. It is the world leader in communication and leadership development. Visit www.toastmasters.org for more information

What is a Youth Leadership Gavel Club and what are the benefits?

A Youth Leadership Gavel club is the children’s wing of Toastmasters International. Through these clubs, children will learn to:

1. Overcome nervousness when speaking before an audience.
2. Organize and present ideas logically and convincingly.
3. Listen carefully to others’ ideas.
4. Participate in and lead group discussions or meetings.
5. Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills.

How are these skills developed?

There are monthly club meetings, 1-1/2 to 2 hours duration. During the meeting various roles such as Gavelier of the day (Toastmaster), Timer, Word Master, Grammarian, AH Counter, General Evaluator and, most importantly, speakers and evaluators, all of which are roles handled by the participants in rotation. Speeches will be delivered based on the guidelines given in the Toastmasters manual. Also, every prepared speaker is assigned an evaluator who points out speech strengths and offers suggestions for improvement. During the speeches, speakers will learn about eye contact, body language, vocal variety, use of visual aids and much more. There are also special summer events like the Improv Theater Camp.

All these programs are focused on providing youth a comfortable and supportive environment to develop their communication skills--and their confidence in speaking before groups. Both support developing strong leadership skills as well.

This Youth Leadership Gavel Club is led by an experienced Toastmaster from the local Deerbrook Park Toastmasters club. Its members also serve as volunteers to facilitate the gavel Club's meetings and events.

For over 40 years now, Deerbrook Park Toastmasters has been your local Toastmasters club for Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, and Riverwoods. The goal of Toastmasters is to help members become confident, and effective communicators and leaders. Toastmasters can also help those whose first language is not English to improve their English language skills. GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT OUR MEETINGS. Deerbrook Park Toastmasters meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm. The 1st meeting is both in-person at the Deerfield Public Library and by Zoom and the 2nd meeting is by Zoom only. For more information go to the club's website at https://deerbrookpark.toastmas...