Members of Launceston Toastmasters, Yvonne Gluyas, Marylou Townsend, and Sharon Rodriguez Robles took the Launceston Bridal Show by storm on Sunday 18th September. Negotiating with organiser Louise Scott of bridal studio Timeless Elegance, Yvonne negotiated a booth for the club at this trade show for free by bartering her services as an MC for the event.
While Marylou and Sharon greeted attendees with the question “will someone be giving a speech at your wedding?” followed by diving into a conversation sharing how joining Toastmasters may help prepare them for this important duty, Yvonne was putting her Table Topics Master skills to the test, cordless microphone in hand and periodically stallholders for a few questions about their wares.
Further duties for Yvonne included a scripted intro and outro for the fashion parade.
Marylou and Sharon didn’t know a moment’s break for the entire 4.5 hours, with a steady stream of attendees stopping to discuss just how Toastmasters will elevate their perfect day to the next level!
Key Lessons:
- Identify trade shows with an audience interested in the skills and experience Toastmasters can offer.
- Contact the organiser and offer MC services in lieu of paying a stall fee.
- Know your audience! Prepare with your fellow members what your pitch will be in advance.
- Dress for success! Suit up for a corporate event, get a little dressy for a bridal event, neat casual for a community event etc. Making sure you look the part will help you feel more comfortable and confident, and also boost your credibility and engagement with attendees.
- Dress your stall! Use tablecloths, banners, lights, gavels, lecterns, screens with videos, flyers, brochures, lollies, pens and other giveaways to entice people to attend your stall, start a conversation, and hopefully leave with a branded item that will encourage them to seek you and your club out in the future.
Congratulations to Yvonne, Marylou and Sharon for a brilliantly executed Public Relations event!
Dani Streets DTM
Public Relations Manager 2022-23