The single most important skill that sets one person apart from their peers is an ability to think and speak clearly. Good communicators are valued in every walk of life. They get and hold better jobs. They persuade and enroll others into their ideas. They’re more successful in business and personal relationships.

A new Toastmasters club is being formed in Nyack where anyone can improve their public speaking, presentation and leadership skills. Visit www.NyackToastmasters.org to learn more about Toastmasters and to take a survey of when and where you would like to see meetings held. The club hopes to have its first meeting by the end of June, 2010.

Toastmasters provides an inexpensive, convenient and low-stress environment for developing speaking, listening and thinking skills. When you join Toastmasters, you join over 250,000 other people who also want to improve their lives by enhancing their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Michael and Bette Friedlander, residents of Nyack since October 2008 and Toastmasters since 2003, will be the sponsors for Nyack Toastmasters. Michael and Bette are current members of Sunset Toastmasters in Pearl River. They own and operate Cowles Graphic Design in Nyack.

Michael is the webmaster for Toastmasters District 83 and District 46. He was President and VP of Education at American Express Toastmasters and was a District 46 Area Governor. Michael was honored as District 46’s 2007-2008 Toastmaster of the Year.

Bette was the VP Public Relations for American Express Toastmasters and won the District 46 Newsletter Contest two years running. Bette also designed numerous conference programs for District 46.