As the semester comes to a close, the Toastmaster Club, a club that offers feedback for those looking to improve upon their public speaking and leadership skills, held its final meeting of the semester to discuss roles for the fall 2018 semester that need to be filled and dates and times for future meetings to take place during the upcoming summer and fall.

Additionally, a mentor of the Toastmasters spoke at the meeting to go over with club the functions of each member, while also being there to answer any questions regarding the club as a whole.

Held on May 9 from 11 a.m. to noon in MP 203, Johnny Wallace, president of the Toastmasters, gave a brief overview of the key points for members to keep in mind regarding the club.

From the importance of finding more club members, while reminding current members to continue to find a way to bring in new members, Wallace continued to mention the overall goal of the Toastmasters to help those with their public speaking skills.

Obi Okpara, business administration/accounting major, and a recent guest of the Toastmasters Club, discussed what brought him to the meeting and how he feels the Toastmasters can improve his public speaking.

“I was recommended to come here by the group members. I think Toastmasters can help me maybe clear up my speech and enunciate more…”

Chad Araki, a part of the Toastmasters Club in San Gabriel, was invited to “mentor the Cerritos College Toastmasters and get them going…”

Araki discussed the seven positions that are vital to “making the club run efficiently,” while also expanding on what current members and leaders can do to make new members and guests feel more involved with the club.

Matthew Mendoza, treasurer of the club, discussed why he joined the Toastmasters. As a transfer student he mentioned what opportunities the club can offer to those who join and now that his role would be vacant, what a member of the club can do to take part and become an officer.

“There are many already here who can be eligible. People who attend regularly, pay fees, and are on time… ” said Mendoza.

As a member who joined just three months ago, he shared how the club helped him, both in general and as a Communications major.

“Its helped amplify my public speaking and confidence. Every college student strives for that confidence…Its helped me and can really help anyone become more present and interact…”

Wallace mentioned that as of May 16, there “has been some discussion concerning who will fulfill a few vacant officer positions.”

He said that while it’s still in discussion, a candidate’s confirmation as an officer is based on two things: one, if they are in good standing with Cerritos College and the club in general and two, someone who is able to contribute their best to the club.

As for the future of the Toastmasters Club on campus, Wallace mentioned, “I see our Cerritos Toastmasters as an increasingly positive influence on our faculty and students. We’re crafting creative plans on how to accomplish this goal for our future.”

The Toastmasters Club, according to Wallace, is also set to have meetings over the summer, but they’re still in discussion.