Toastmasters helps Cary man
Applause filled the meeting room as Cary resident Martin Arnold stepped off the platform at the 2008 National Institute of Justice Conference. Arnold, a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Masters in Geography, had just finished presenting his thesis "Relative Deprivation, Concentrated Disadvantage, and Homicide". The NIJ Conference was held in Arlington, Virginia July 21-23.
Previously a Geographic Information Systems Analyst Intern with Patrick Engineering Inc. and now an Adjunct Professor at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Arnold enjoyed both the speaking opportunity and getting to visit some of the D.C. Memorials.
He said, "The experience was overwhelmingly positive. I hope to have the opportunity to attend a future NIJ Conference."
Until recently, Arnold never would have imagined being on stage and the teaching doors that have opened for him in the last couple of years. "I was shy, quiet, and not comfortable speaking in front of groups," he said.
Arnold credits his increased confidence and improved speaking skills to his participation in the Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club. "The skills I learned in Toastmasters helped me not only prepare my presentation for the NIJ Conference, but also deliver well-timed humor to keep the audience engaged," Arnold said.
The Immediate Past President of the Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club, Arnold takes on new responsibilities this year as Toastmasters International's Division I Area Governor.
The Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to providing opportunities, tools, and support to improve your communication and leadership skills. The Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club meets from 8 to 10 a.m. on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month at Amcore Bank, 5100 Northwest Hwy Crystal Lake. Visitors are welcome at all club meetings. For more information about the club, visit www.crystallaketoastmasters.org or contact 2008-2009 club president Connie Bartholomew at (847) 337-1204 or cbartholomew19@yahoo.com. For more information about Toastmasters International and to find additional clubs, go to www.toastmasters.org.