Stow Toastmasters Kicks Off Wednesday

In 2006, Stow resident Pete Punwani was struggling in a new role at work that involved outside sales. Joining Toastmasters International turned him into a confident, polished communicator — and now he wants to share that experience with other area residents.

Punwani has established a Stow Toastmasters Club that will hold its kickoff meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at . He said the event will feature inspirational stories from “four incredible speakers.”

They are Dave Wiley, Toastmasters District 10 governor; Ted Gardner and Fay Gilbert, immediate past district governors; and Missy Moore of Kent, who will serve as a club mentor along with Stow resident Bill Ferry.

Those attending the kickoff meeting will learn all about “the non-profit organization dedicated to educating and improving communication and leadership for all members,” according to the club’s Facebook page.

Punwani, 35, said the organization is a game-changer, both personally and professionally.

“In 2006 I was trying to figure out how I could become more polished, so I joined the Tree City Toastmasters. My goal at the time was just to do a couple speeches and build my confidence,” he explained.

But Punwani “fell in love with the program” and remained a member of the Kent club. He eventually became vice president of education, mentoring nearly 20 different people who went on to earn leadership and communication goals/awards. He later served as president, helping the club earn the coveted Distinguished Club title for the first time in eight years.

“I truly believe in Toastmasters because I’ve seen what it has done for others and for me. I’ve grown professionally and personally, both as a communicator and as a leader,” he said.

Missy Moore, who joined Toastmasters in 2005, said the skills she has learned through the organization have been beneficial in her career with the U.S. Navy.

“I have developed the ability to speak to higher-ranking individuals intelligently, persuasively and, most of all, confidently. It has earned me a great deal of respect amongst my peers and subordinates,” Moore said.

“Leadership starts with a good communicator. If you can clearly and concisely relay your message with the confidence in your own ability, others will believe in and follow you,” she added.

Punwani said that while improving as a public speaker is what Toastmasters is best known for, membership results in enhanced communication skills in every aspect of life. And it’s an education delivered in a no-pressure environment involving people from all walks of life who share similar self-improvement goals.

“We are a very warm and receiving group because the bottom line is that we’re all focused on improving ourselves,” Punwani said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who’s afraid of your own shadow or a professional speaker. No matter where you are in life, we want to help take your communication and leadership skills to a new level.”

Punwani’s goal for the Stow club is to nurture it to 20 members, the minimum needed to become an officially chartered organization, by holding weekly meetings at 7 p.m. at National College.

Those with questions before Wednesday’s kickoff event may call Pete Punwani at 440-829-8596.