Palmer woman wins Toastmasters gold

MAT-SU — Vicki Kluever of Palmer Toastmasters won the Area 5 Evaluation Contest. She was representing the Anchorage Advanced Club at the time, where Kluever is also a member.

Kluever will next compete in the Yukon Alaska Council of Toastmasters Speech Evaluation Contest March 15 in Fairbanks.

Speech evaluation is a common practice in every Toastmasters meeting. Speech evaluation is an un-rehearsed, timed speaking opportunity that helps develop or improve on the crucial thinking and listening skills important to effective communication.

The speech evaluator has very little time to collect his or her thoughts before presenting an oral evaluation to the speaker. The speech evaluator typically offers praise, mentions what they most liked about the speech and offers one or two specific suggestions that would help the speaker improve upon the speech or the manner in which the speech was given. In the speech evaluation contest, contestants know nothing in advance about the speech or even who the speaker will be. Kluever is president of the Palmer Toastmasters Club and a local artist who creates unique and beautiful jewelry.

Palmer Toastmasters meets 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays at the Palmer MTA Building. 480 Commercial Drive. The public is welcome.