Two toastmasters are on a winning streak and have not only won their club contacts, but have won the area and the division contests.

Beverley Hepting and Steve Graham are members of Casterbridge Speakers, a Toastmasters International Club based in Dorchester.

Toastmasters International aims yo help members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.

Both Beverley and Steve previously entered the Humorous Speech and Table Topics contest but this is the first time that any member of the Dorchester group has reached the final from the area let alone this club in Dorchester.

Beverley coaches business people to find their professional voice and offers five top toastmasters tips to help you build a humorous speech.

Fellow club member, Steve is competing in the Table Topics Contest, where contestants are asked to present a one to two minute speech on a subject chosen by the contest chairman.

Steve has been a member of Toastmasters International for ten years.

He said: "Whatever you want to achieve in life, you need a certain level of confidence. If you rely solely on your own measure of ability you are likely to be wrong about what you believe you can achieve. More importantly, what skills you already have. Toastmasters gives us the opportunity to silence the doubts and encourages us to fully embrace our true potential.”

Toastmasters International is a global network of almost 16.5k clubs in 141 countries. The clubs provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills. The result is greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Casterbridge Speakers meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at The Wessex Royal Hotel in Dorchester and new members are always welcome.

For more information about all clubs in the area contact Laura McHarrie on 07962 626604.