Anika to staple region’s name on Toastmasters

When Anika Stapleton competes at the International World Speech Contest on August 11, this year in Connecticut, USA, she will not only be the first Vincentian to do so, but the first ever regional Toastmaster to compete at the International Level.{{more}}

Stapleton made history on May 16, 2009, in Jamaica, by taking the first place trophy in the Caribbean Toastmasters International Speech Contest.

Speaking on the topic “Glossophobia”, Stapleton made light work of her other seasoned regional Toastmasters to reign supreme. Jamaica came in second place while Trinidad had to settle for the third position. The other participants were Barbados, Haiti and Curacao.

Speaking at a press conference last Thursday, June 4, at the National Insurance Services (NIS) conference room, an elated Stapleton thanked her Imperial Toastmasters Club for their support. Describing the historic regional win as an experience that has left an indelible mark on her, Stapleton said she is confident that she is going to do well in the United States. “Having the courage to stand and speak in front of a crowd makes us all winners,” Stapleton added.

She admitting that even though it was the first time she was speaking on such a large stage before throngs of people, she was not daunted at all. Now a local celebrity in her own right, Stapleton has been invited by Toastmasters in Trinidad and Tobago to deliver a speech there on July 4.

Also on hand at the press conference was Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste. She lauded the tremendous work done by the club and urged them to do more for schools in relation to public speaking.

St Vincent also bagged another first in Jamaica. Monica Thomas Woodley, Charter President from 2006-2007 of SVG’s first Toastmasters Club and current president of the new Imperial Champions Club, was elected District Secretary of Toastmasters District 81 Council. (KW)