Toastmaster’s Competent Communicator, Viola Williams.  Photo: Valerie S. Jackson

from staff reports

Ardent Toastmasters Club #593096 recently awarded Toastmaster Viola L. A. Williams the honor of “Competent Communicator,” one of several levels of recognition made to members who strive to improve their skills at public speaking and self-confidence.

In accepting her award, Ms. Williams said, “During my childhood, I suffered from a speech impediment, and had to take speech therapy. I made the worst grades amongst my siblings, and I had a language all my own! Growing up, as an adult this condition (in part) still plagued me, and I looked for ways to overcome my fear of speaking in public; that is when I was introduced to Toastmasters International.”

Along with being shy or self-conscious, physical speech impediments are one of the most common reasons that people don’t like to speak in public. Helping people overcome those inhibitions is a goal that Toastmasters strives for and regularly accomplishes.

“I can’t speak enough about Ardent Toastmasters club [and how] members mentored and encouraged me,” says Williams. “I encourage any person — be they students, housewives, business leaders, or others that have a desire to improve their communication skills — to join Ardent Toastmasters. As of late, I enjoy sharing many different messages with my audiences, and have been asked to speak at engagements throughout the Asheville area. It’s very exciting!”