SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — For nearly a century, Toastmasters International has helped people around the world build confidence and communicate more effectively.
The nonprofit organization was founded in 1924 and has since guided nearly eight million participants toward stronger speaking and leadership skills.
In Northeast Pennsylvania, that mission is carried on by Electric City Toastmasters, the Scranton chapter established in June 1998 by a group of Clarks Summit residents who believed the area could benefit from a supportive space to grow as speakers.
Twice a month, the club meets at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, offering a friendly and welcoming environment for anyone looking to improve their communication abilities.
The meetings are free and open to the public, offering a supportive setting meant to help participants speak up, build confidence and grow at their own pace.
Electric City Toastmasters has served the community for about 27 years. Much of the club’s strength comes from its structured approach to learning.
Each meeting includes activities such as prepared speeches, peer evaluations and a popular exercise known as Table Topics, which challenges participants to speak on an unexpected subject with little preparation.
The format benefits people who struggle with glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, and gives attendees a chance to practice while receiving supportive feedback from fellow members.
One focus of the program is helping people reduce the filler words that often appear in everyday speech.
Words such as “um,” “uh” and “like” can distract listeners from the message.
Members are encouraged to embrace brief pauses instead of filling the silence, allowing time for an audience to absorb what is being said.
Many participants begin with anxiety but gain comfort through regular practice and positive reinforcement from the group.
Dwayne Florey, sergeant at arms of Electric City Toastmasters, says that the small moments of silence in a speech can matter as much as the words themselves. “You would be amazed. When you are at the podium, you think you know exactly what you are saying, but in reality, people listening may hear something different. You do not need to fill the space. Talk slowly. The slower you speak, the better people will understand you and the more clearly your message comes across,” said Florey.
Florey has been a member for eight years and credits the organization with significantly improving his public speaking skills.
He said the training helps people not only at meetings, but also in practical situations such as school or workplace presentations, wedding speeches, job interviews and business pitch meetings.
Electric City Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more information, visit the Electric City Toastmasters’ website.