Sequim’s own Lindy MacLaine is heading — virtually — to the Toastmasters International Speech Contest semifinals.

MacLaine is a club member and past club president of Skwim Toastmasters, the Sequim Toastmasters Club.

The competition takes place at the organization’s 2020 International Convention, held online Aug. 24-29.

After six months of competition, 28 contestants have risen from a pool of more than 30,000 participants from more than 100 countries to earn their spot in the semifinals.

Contestants advanced to the semifinals after surviving four earlier rounds of elimination. Their 5- to 7-minute speeches were judged on content, organization, impact on the audience, gestures and style.

“I’m excited; it’s an incredible honor to be competing among the top 28 semifinalists,” MacLaine said. “(There’s) so much talent from around the world.”

The semifinals are scheduled for Aug. 25. If MacLaine wins on Aug. 25, she’ll rise to the final round, the World Championship of Public Speaking, set for Saturday, Aug. 29.

“When you tune in to the contest online, you’ll be in for a treat,” MacLaine said.

“While competing from my spare bedroom in front of my computer’s camera is very different from competing in person, I’m tickled to be riding this wave of innovation.

“This year is the first virtual conference, the first virtual contest and the first time the entire world is invited to attend Toastmasters International Convention for free!”

See www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international- convention/world-championship- of-public-speaking.

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

In “normal” times, the Sequim club meets every Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place in Sunland, 135 Fairway Drive; group members are currently meeting on Zoom. Join a meeting via the link on the club’s website home page at 907529.toast mastersclubs.org.