ALKHOBAR, 13 April 2007 — More than 600 men, women and children turned out yesterday for the start of a two-day Toastmasters International Conference of speeches, contests and workshops.
The event took place at an Alkhobar hotel and was a chance for group members and guests to hear some of the organization’s best public speakers as well as work on their own presentation skills.
“The Toastmasters program is successful because it meets fundamental human needs for personal development, significance and recognition,” said Faisal Al-Zahrani, a Saudi Aramco executive who also serves as Toastmasters International Division F governor. “Millions of people from all walks of life have benefited from the program over the past 80 years.”
The organization has 11,000 clubs in 90 countries. Division F oversees the GCC states and Jordan and includes the 60 Toastmasters clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Zahrani noted Saudi Aramco’s support for the organization and said it has chartered five new clubs in as many years. He told the crowd about some of the benefits.
“The program is good for the community in general and for companies and educational institutions in particular,” Al-Zahrani said. “When we are able to organize our thoughts and communicate those thoughts clearly, we improve the way we work and live together.”
Included in the event were eight workshops focused on topics such as impromptu speaking, using humor in speeches, networking and the importance of communication. Also in attendance were former Division F governor Abdulrazaq Ali Al-Turki, who is managing director of Namma Cargo Services Co.; and Arab News Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena, who was guest of honor.
World public speaking champion David Brooks delivered the keynote address during which the journalist and author detailed his history with the organization and described how it helped him to achieve the global group’s highest honor. He said he felt he owed his success to Toastmasters.
Brooks’ sentiments were echoed by many in attendance.
“When I joined Toastmasters a few years ago, public speaking was my biggest fear,” Al-Zahrani said. “Today public speaking is my greatest joy. I credit Toastmasters for that.”
