BM-speaking Toastmasters club welcomes more Mirians to become members

MIRI: The city’s only Bahasa Malaysia ( BM) public speaking club Kelab Pidato Toastmasters Miri is encouraging more Mirians to become its members.

According to club president Edwin Engbat Gara, the membership is open to any adult who can understand and converse in Bahasa Malaysia well.

“Do come and observe how we conduct our workshop, which is held bi-monthly – every second and fourth Friday commencing at 8pm at the PMM ( Miri Malay Association) premises,” he said yesterday.

Edwin said the club’s new executive committee for the 2016-2017 term was announced during PMM Hari Raya open house here recently.

“Even during such gatherings where there are a number of renowned speakers, we are able to make new friends and also learn from one another.

“In any Toastmasters club – English, BM or any other language – members can learn not only the art of public speaking, but also how to speak and listen effectively. Don’t be afraid to join us – we all can learn together,” he said.

Kelab Pidato Toastmasters Miri was initiated by its charter president Dr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahim in 1998 – the second BM Toastmasters club in the country.

Since then, the club has been providing opportunities to members on acquiring and improving their speaking, listening and thinking skills.

The club interacts with counterparts of different languages, with several members holding multiple-memberships – those of Kelab Pidato, Miri Advanced Toastmasters Club and Miri Toastmasters club.

So far, Kelab Pidato Toastmasters Miri has produced two ‘Distinguished Toastmasters’ – the highest of all Toastmasters levels – namely, Datin Juriah Abdullah and Dr Alexson Keling Buja.

The Malay Toastmasters club has produced a notable number of Competent Communicators (CC), Advanced Communicators Bronze, Advanced Communicators Silver and Competent Leaders.

The active senior members are often involved as judges as well as other role players in English speech contests hosted by other clubs and at area level.

For more information, contact Edwin at 013- 8158559, vice president Harrizan Yunus ( 014- 9307893) or secretary Dr Alexson ( 019- 8148311).