If you’ve ever heard a great orator — the kind of person who radiates passion, energy and enthusiasm whenever they take the stage — chances are they were a Toastmaster.

Toastmasters International has helped thousands of people in 122 countries around the world master the art of leadership and public speaking, since it was founded in 1924.

The Bermuda chapter has accomplished some notable milestones of its own, having doubled its membership in the past few months — and what better way to celebrate than with a special awards banquet?

The event will be taking place tomorrow night in the dining room at Coco Reefs, starting at 7pm.

It includes a night a fine cuisine, semi-formal dress and entertainment by talented, 14-year-old saxophonist Aaron Spencer.

To top it all off there will be an enlightening speech given by Digicel CEO Wayne Caines on the topic of ‘Finding Your Voice’.

Throughout the night awards will be presented to a host of Toastmaster Bermuda members, including one who has earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), the highest award one can get.

Worldwide there have been 20,000 people to reach the DTM level- and only two others so far in Bermuda.

Kimberley D Caines, the Bermuda Toastmasters President, said she wanted to stress the event was open to everyone — not just members.

“This is a great way to come and learn about Toastmasters in a non-formal setting, which isn’t our typical meeting space,” she explained.

“We have quite a few people coming who are not part of Toastmasters, but know about the organisation through our affiliations overseas.

“We want people to leave and get involved or have a better appreciation of our organisation, but more so that they are inspired and encouraged and feel privileged to be a part of an experience where we are honouring good.

“You hear so much about everything that is going on negatively in Bermuda, so it’s great to know there are still organisations that aren’t political, religious or any ‘ism’, but are unifying for a common good to develop people.

“And that’s the beauty of our programme. There is a lot of encouragement, valuation and membership participation.”

She said the club used to have a regular awards banquet, but hasn’t for the past few years.

One of the first things Ms Caines wanted to do when she took over the leadership of the club last year was revive the tradition.

Local Toastmasters member Corville Hylton, with the help of a team, took that vision and turned it into a reality. Countless hours went into planning the event, but he believes it will be one to remember. “It’s going to be an evening to be enjoyed by all,” Mr Hylton said.

One of the night’s highlights is expected to be the speech by Mr Caines.

Often times people see an amazing public speaker and tell themselves ‘I want to be just like them’, not realising they need to find their own unique voice and way of communicating.

It’s hoped Mr Caines’ speech will inspire and encourage those people.

Ms Caines said she was very excited about the whole evening and told The Royal Gazette: “The banquet is a night where we get to mingle with our members outside of the club setting, get dressed up and honour and recognise the achievements of our members.

“We have had a very successful year. A lot of our members have achieved and ascended through the various reward levels.

“We have also increased our membership from 19 to approximately 50 this year, held successful education seminars and fostered relationships with some local companies who are interested in the Toastmasters club.

“And to top it off it’s the 90th Anniversary of Toastmasters International, so what better way to celebrate than to do an award’s banquet?”

Tickets for tomorrow’s banquet are still available for $85. To reserve your space for the event or get more information on the organisation, e-mail: bermudatm@gmail.com.

Useful website: www.toastmaster.org.