UNT club battles one of the nation's most common fears

For many people, the idea of getting up in front of a group and giving a speech or making a presentation causes cold sweats, clammy hands and shaking. Public speaking has been acknowledged as one of the biggest fears in America today. Now, a group of people at UNT is working to combat that phobia.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to improve communication skills among people throughout the world, allowing them to become better leaders and communicate more effectively with others. Russell Elleven, assistant professor of technology and cognition, began a chapter of Toastmasters at Texas Christian University a few years ago and decided UNT would benefit from the organization as well.

"Toastmaster participants confront their fear in a supportive atmosphere and receive feedback from others who are trying to better themselves in the same area," Elleven says. "If you can confront something that so many people fear and conquer it or control it, I think the success can easily translate to successes in other aspects of life."

Membership in the club is open to anyone interested in learning public speaking skills, including faculty, staff, students or community members. The club meets at noon Mondays in Marquis Hall, Room 118. Guests are welcome.

For more information about Toastmasters, contact club president Peggy Howell, college development officer for the School of Visual Arts, at (940) 565-3379.

BY MELODY GILBERT paiswri3@unt.edu

Other web resources:

• Toastmasters International

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