Naturalist-philosopher Sonya Zohar joined Sequim’s Toastmasters Club in May, and a month later received an invitation to speak at the Sasquatch Symposium in Kingston.

Zohar immediately sat down with her Toastmaster mentor to map out how to use Toastmasters education system to prepare for what club members say is a very long and very public presentation.

“At first I was leery of how the club would respond,” she said. “My interest in Bigfoot is about as unlikely and as far afield as one can get when it comes to subject matter. I would think I was crazy, too, if I hadn’t had the field research experiences I have had. I’m happy to say the club has fully supported me.”

The Sasquatch Symposium is set for Oct. 11-12 at The Point Casino & Hotel.

Locals can get a sneak preview of Zohar’s presentation, “Bigfoot: The Grand Unified Theory,” in a dress rehearsal at the Skwim Toastmasters meeting set for 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Masonic Lodge in Sequim, 700 S. Fifth Ave.

Admission is free, as space is limited. Reservations are requested at BigfootMystery.eventbrite.com.

“As Toastmasters, we are always learning how to communicate more effectively; this sometimes includes persuasion,” Kyle Hall, Club Vice President of Education, said.

“Sonya has been very persuasive so far! The snippets she’s been bringing us have been fascinating. We’re looking forward to her full speech on October 8.”

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 7-8:30 p.m. each Tuesday, usually at The Gathering Place in Sunland, 135 Fairway Dr.

See 907529.toastmastersclubs.org and www.facebook.com/SequimToastmasters for more information about the club.