For the first time in two decades, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley sends a competitor to the Toastmaster Annual International Speech Contest semi-finals in August—in Chicago.

Lindy MacLaine, member of Sequim’s Skwim Toastmasters club, took first place at a district competition in Bremerton on Saturday, April 14, qualifying her for the international semifinals.

From the semifinals, 10 top speakers from Toastmasters clubs across the globe will emerge to vie for the coveted honor of becoming the next International Speech Champion.

The last to hold this honor is Bill Thomas, former Sequim mayor, in 1998.

“’Toastmasters’ is a funny name,” MacLaine said. “People don’t necessarily understand that this organization offers world-class training in communication and leadership at an amazingly affordable price. Speech competitions are only a very small part of its offerings.”

MacLaine invites the public to a Skwim Toastmasters meeting set for 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at The Gathering Place in Sunland, 137 Fairway St. The guest speaker will be Jim Sultan, Past International Director of Toastmasters, who presents, “Taking the Fear Out of Public Speaking” (visit FearlessPublicSpeaking.eventbrite.com to reserve a place at no charge).

MacLaine joined Toastmasters as an experienced performer looking for help with crafting and delivering her own message as a speaker.

“It’s one thing to memorize and deliver lines in a play; it’s something else to write your own lines,” she said.

“I wanted a different way to use my stage acumen. I wanted to polish the skills I have. I also sought leadership training and opportunity. Toastmasters has over-delivered on all counts.”

The Sequim club welcomes new members from both ends of the public speaking spectrum: experienced and inexperienced.

Skwim Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

The Sequim club meets on the first, second and third Tuesdays of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place in Sunland.

For more information about this event and the club, search “Sequim Toastmasters” online and on Facebook.