In a manner of speaking, one Sun Prairie club says it all

For many, public speaking can be about as painful as a tooth extraction. And yet, communication skills can be a key to success in the workplace and in relationships.

In Sun Prairie, a group of 12 gathers twice a month to practice the art of public speaking together and to hone their skills.

The Summit Seekers is one of 14,200 Toastmasters International clubs in 148 countries, according to its website, toastmasters.org, all with members who enjoy getting together to deliver speeches.

“Our goal is to create an environment where it’s safe to leave your comfort zone and become a better communicator and leader,” said Todd Punke, Summit Seekers president.

The international organization has been around for 100 years and has nearly 2 million members worldwide. It offers a platform for members to follow a pathway, or curriculum, to become better at public speaking.

Punke said each member is different and moves at their own pace. He joined 18 years ago in Wausau and then, as his job required him to relocate, joined other clubs. He’s been a member of the Summit Seekers for four years, and when traveling, he attends meetings in other states to see how they’re conducted.

“I joined it because I wanted to improve my leadership skills,” Punke said, adding he wanted to run meetings more productively at work and become a better speaker.

The international organization offers competitions, first at the local then regional, state and finally international level.

Two Summit Seekers members, Emmy Roper and Ewa Budzynski, represented the club at the division contest for the chance to advance to the statewide conference at the end of April.

As they work on their speeches, members can choose the topics of their choice, though hot-button religious and political issues are discouraged, Punke said.

“For myself, I’m much more motivated to speak or work on speaking skills if it’s on a topic I’m passionate about and want to share with others,” Punke said.

Different pathways focus the members on different types of speeches, such as humorous or educational.

He said the goal is to work on speaking skills, and the more a member enjoys what they’re talking about, the more successful they are.

For Punke, environmental issues or motivation are topics, along with community and building connections and shared values.

“I think that is something that as we get to know people and grow relationships, anytime we have shared connections, that helps,” he added.

The members also build connections with one another.

While they strengthen their communications skills, they see one another’s progress and personal growth.

“You can see how they handle their anxiety and nervousness,” Punke said. “ I will say, anyone who joins benefits in one way or another.”

Summit Seekers meets twice a month, once virtually on the second Thursday of the month and then in person at the Sun Prairie Public Library on the fourth Thursday. For information on Toastmasters and to find the Summit Seekers Club, visit toastmasters.org or check out the Summit Seekers Facebook page.