Published: Nov 05, 2013 | 09:00 AM

IRWD Toastmasters Group Takes the ‘Eek’ out of Public Speaking

Some people find public speaking scary. Not members of the Water Meeters Toastmasters group, which held its annual Halloween breakfast last week.

The group meets every Tuesday from 7:10-8 a.m. at the Irvine Ranch Water District’s Sand Canyon headquarters office. Water Meeters is not limited to IRWD employees – anyone who is interested in honing their public speaking skills is welcome.

No costumes were present at the Halloween meeting, but member Greg Stevenson wore a T-shirt with the likeness of Frankenstein’s monster. Members sat in a circle with the lights turned off and engaged in “storytelling in the round.” With the lights back on, some shared their personal close encounters with things that go bump in the night.

Mark Dobrilovic, a member of seven years, said he continued as a member of the group even after he moved his employment from Irvine to San Clemente.

“This is great group,” he said.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Water Meeters has 25 members and has been in existence for more than 20 years.

Anyone who works or lives in Irvine is welcome to drop by and see what Toastmasters is all about. Meetings are held at 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine. Information is available by contacting Debbie Kanoff, Sergeant at Arms for the group, at (949) 453-5334.