Toast Night to give tips on telling jokes

The locally based Toastmasters by the Shore group will hold its Toast Night at 7 p.m. Monday at Finbars Italian Kitchen, 620 Pacific Coast Hwy., Seal Beach. Reservations are required, as all guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine or champagne or nonalcoholic beverage as they participate in learning the art of toasting. There will be activities to engage in on-the-spot thinking, and lessons on how to give a clever comeback or tell a joke.

Professional actor John Gilbert will be one of the speakers giving tips on impromptu speaking and gestures. Huntington Beach resident Peggy Glenn, a convention speaker and recipient of the Competent Leader and Advanced Speaker level of Toastmasters International, will be on board to discuss the art of speaking in front of large groups.

Pat Holley from Huntington Beach will teach how to weave stories into a short toast at events. Holley is also an advanced speaker who travels for her company speaking at large and small events.

Susan Van Tuyl, who has lived in Huntington Beach for 15 years, is the president of the local Toastmasters by the Shore club. She also holds Advanced Speaker status, and will be speaking on how to give a humorous wedding toast.

The club’s members meet at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the restaurant to practice planned speeches and learn how to think and speak on their feet.

To make a reservation for Toast Night, call the club at (714) 856-7827 or e-mail susanvantuyl@yahoo.com.

— Candice Baker