You’ve probably heard that many people would rather stand in front of a firing squad than a live audience that they are expected to speak to. Yet being able to speak in public is one of the most powerful tools for sharing an idea, creating influence or growing a business.

Speaking skills can open new doors in your career, and anyone can learn to speak. What you need is practice and an environment that provides non-judgmental support.

That is the purposes of your local Toastmasters chapters. Toastmasters is an organization of 350,000 members, and right here in Mystic we have our own local chapter where you can find friendly, supportive members who are developing their own stage skills and would love to help you do the same.

Sound interesting? There’s an open house at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, at the Milne Center at the Mystic Aquarium. Don’t worry, you won’t have to speak (unless you want to). For more information, email Michelle Murphy at m.s.murphy@comcast.net.