durhamregion.com The Citizen September 20, 2013 5 The first thing that drew Ms. Igli to the group was the positive atmosphere where she was encouraged to constantly strive for better. "There were friendly people, lots of laughs, lots of fun, but we were still able to learn and improve," she says. "It's a very collaborative environment -- everyone is always looking at ways to improve each other." Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. Founded in 1924, the organization currently has more than 280,000 members in more than 13,500 clubs across 116 countries. During toastmasters meetings, members deliver planned speeches, participate in impromptu speeches, give feedback to others or take part in other functional roles that lead to successful meetings, such as keeping time. "We have a book that we work from so the book gives guidance on what to improve on for each speech," Ms. Igli explains. "For example, improve using visual aids or hand gestures ... given that area of improvement, the speaker picks their own topic and then they prepare their own speech and deliver it." Many of the members enter the clubs timid and unsure of their abilities, she adds, but through encouragement and feedback, they end surprising even themselves. "I remember (public speaking) would make me very nervous before and it still does to an extent but now, I've learned techniques to try and hide my nervousness." The Brooklin Toastmasters meet Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Court at Brooklin retirement residence, 5909 Anderson St., Brooklin. Meetings are open to visitors free of charge. For more information: vISIT http://easy-speak.org/club-data.php?c=911 BROOKLIN -- Members of the Brooklin Toastmasters, including Jennifer Murphy, attended a meeting held at the Court at Brooklin. The club offers a supportive and fun environment where members practise and advance their speaking, presentation and leadership skills. Jason Liebregts / MetroLand Organization helps people improve their speaking, presentation and leadership skills FrOm page 1 Backyard rink program returns to Brooklin WHITBY -- The Scotiabank Backyard Rink program is back in Whitby for another year, offering children seven years of age and under the opportunity to play hockey or ringette free of charge. From September to March, ice, nets and professional facilities at Iroquois Park Sports Centre are provided as a communal, indoor backyard rink for children as part of a partnership between the Town of Whitby, Scotiabank and the Whitby Minor Hockey Association. Parents just need to provide the sticks, pucks and protective gear. The program runs on Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Scotiabank Arena 1 at Iroquois Park, 500 victoria St. W., Whitby. It's also offered on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Luther vipond Memorial Arena, 67 Winchester Rd. E., Brooklin.