Chardon Toastmaster Provides Expert Advice To Padua High School Students

Mrs. Leonard (third from left) is shown pictured with Paudua Franciscan High School students Michael Schloemer, Jaclyn Moran, and Mathew Howenstein. 

Students from Padua Franciscan High School got some expert advice on how to improve their public speaking to help them ace the regional Ohio Mock Trial competition. Juel Leonard, president of the Chardon Toastmasters Club, visited with the school’s Mock Trial competition team January 30. A Toastmaster who has received several top honors, Mrs. Leonard gave students pointers on how to hone their speaking skills in preparation for the regional competition which will be held February 21 at the Cleveland Municipal Court. “I was there in my capacity as an experienced toastmaster and they also had a lawyer there to help with the legal aspects of a trial,” said Mrs. Leonard. “It was a great experience.” 

A non-profit organization, Toastmasters International has been working for more than 75 years to fulfill a need to help people conquer speech anxiety for events such as the Ohio Mock Trial Competition. The Chardon Toastmasters Club helps its members in addition to members of the public build self-confidence and communication and leadership skills through weekly meetings and community workshops. The group of about 25 members meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce and guests are always welcome.

Mrs. Leonard plans to continue coaching the Padua Franciscan High School team throughout their rounds of competition in the Mock Trial which was established to create awareness in students of their constitutional rights and responsibilities. Each year volunteer attorneys write a legally authentic case involving a constitutional issue that is relevant to students’ own personal experiences which they must then perform. It provides students the opportunity to learn first-hand about the law, court procedures, and the judicial system while also building interpretation, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.