The Cookeville Toastmasters Club celebrating its 60 years of helping local people improve their public speaking skills.
Cookeville Toastmasters Club Secretary Treasurer Matti Foster said the club was chartered 60 years ago by former Tennessee Tech Professors S. K. Ballal and Graham Kash to provide a safe space for those to work on their public speaking skills. Foster said the best way to improve public speaking skills is through practice.
“So initially, when you get in front of people, sometimes you get kind of like a nervous rush,” Foster said. “But after you practice and get comfortable, that nervous rush will turn into a feeling of control and confidence.”
The club has had some notable members throughout the years, including Former TTU Vice President and Dean of Faculty Dr. Wallace Prescott, Former TTU Dean of Students Dr. Martin Peters, and Former Cookeville Mayor Luke Medley.
Foster said being a good public speaker helps people better represent themselves.
“It helps in every aspect of our life,” Foster said. “And I think that the habits that we learn in Toastmasters help us in our work, helps us in our relationships, and in everyday conversations.”
Foster said the club has seen consistent growth over the past several years. The club has attracted members from all across the Upper Cumberland. Foster said it is an honor for the club to reach 60 years.
“I think when you have been a mainstay in the Upper Cumberland for 60 years, you know, I think that’s a great achievement,” Foster said. “It reflects decades of community engagement and leadership development, and just consistent growth.”
The club celebrating with a Tuesday celebration. The club meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month except in December. Foster said the club hosts in-person meetings at the Putnam County Library, while also holding virtual meetings through Zoom. Foster said all are welcome to attend the meetings.