Mt Sheridan Toastmasters

Our club is a fun and dynamic bunch of people from a wide variety of life experiences, occupations and age groups. Have a little peek at some our profiles here, but we’d love you to get to know us better at a meeting.

Nicky Jurd

President

I’m a friendly and approachable local geek who owns a web development and internet marketing firm, cityofcairns.com. Needless to say, communication is not considered the computer geek’s best asset so I joined Toastmasters to improve my business communication skills.

I’m now an enthusiastic public speaker and hold semi-regular workshops on a range of internet-related topics aimed at small business owners.

I’ve found Toasmtasters has given me confidence to be more chatty at networking functions and answer questions asked of me in a more organised fashion. I don’t stumble over my words like I used to.

I enthusiastically recommend Toastmasters to any person who wants to overcome their nerves when speaking to others or just polish their performance.

Kaj Haffenden

Vice President Education

G’day.

I was a Toastmaster many years ago and have recently joined again at the delightful Mt Sheridan Toastmasters club, and am thoroughly pleased at myself for doing so — I’d forgotten how rusty one can become after an absence!

In my spare time I am a director of local Cairns web design and web hosting companies.

Toastmasters provides the polish I need to effectively conduct meetings, manage staff and run seminars.

Jill Morris

Vice President Membership

After making a ‘sea change’ to Tropical North Queensland and falling in love with the lifestyle in paradise, it seemed natural to re-establish myself in business here and promote first and foremost the wonderful produce from local ‘food heroes’.

Having been out of the business arena for several years and needing to polish my presentation and networking skills I looked to Toastmasters.

I was introduced to the Mt Sheridan club by a member from the Cairns Business Womens Club nearly 2 years ago. The members are warm, friendly and very welcoming and very supportive.

During my time with the club I have filled several roles and taken part in many activities. I am constantly being taken out of my comfort zone with very rewarding results.

Come and join us, you will have a lot of fun.

John Lizzio

Vice-President Public Relations

Before I joined Toastmasters, I used to spend my waking hours playing with my digital camera.

Now I spend my time with some really cool people while polishing my skills in presenting a tremendous spiel. Perhaps even my speling will improve!

I’m hoping to improve my impromptu speaking and leadership skills this year at Mt Sheridan Toastmasters.

I’m a keen hand at 500 and enjoy a good pillow fight.

Celia Berrell

Secretary

When I moved to Cairns three years ago, I decided that joining a Club would be a great way to make new friends. Also, as I want to promote science education through poetry, I needed to get rid of that “fear factor”.

Toastmasters has happily fulfilled both these expectations.

I’ve been able to recite one of my poems on ABC Far North radio and make presentations of my poems at a local school.  And I’ve made some great friends too!

Cheryl McLeod

Treasurer

I am a mum, sister, daughter, partner, taxi driver and more. I work in the office of a mechanic’s business 5 days a week.

I make jewellery and teach beading in my spare time. I joined Toastmasters to gain confidence speaking in front of people and to communicate effectively. I would also like to work on my leadership skills.

Craig Turner

Sergeant-At-Arms

Hi! My name is Craig. I have been a member of Mt Sheriden Toastmasters for short while now.
I have recently taken on the role of Sergent at Arms.  This position entails making sure that the meeting runs smoothly and is on time.   At the meetings I have always enjoyed my self and have at the end of the night learnt something new. Some of the skills that you will learn are: how to research, speak on the spot, proper pronunciation and the art of debating. In short, I would recomend Toastmasters to all.

Anne McKinnon

Area Governor

Hi! I’m Anne and a mother of 4 grown children. I teach at the local TAFE College. I know there are many who assume that teachers are immune to the fear of public speaking. Let me assure you that that is not necessarily so.

I joined Toastmasters in 2005 in order to shake the ‘wobblies’ and improve my delivery in public. The Club has provided that and so much more. You meet people from all cross sections of life and I have formed significant friendships through the Club.

Before joining I had never so much as told a joke. In 2007, I won a humorous speech competition at division level.

Mark Turner

Hello! My name is Mark. I am a newly joined Toastmaster and I am really enjoing it. The Mt Sheridan Toastmasters are always very funny and hence very enjoyable. Through the use of evaluations, hints and tips that the other members of this club provide I am able to increase my public speaking skills as well as my research skills. I would encourage all young persons to attend.

We need an audience to help us improve our speaking habits, so please come along as a guest to one of our meetings and watch us in action. We look forward to meeting you too.