Ron Melanson of the Bigfork chapter of Toaastmasters International won second place in Table Topics competition at the area speech contest in Kalispell.

Melanson is the club’s newest member. Club president, Kelly Ware, competed for the second year in a row in the Humorous speech competition and placed third. Ry Keller and Ware completed the Competent Communicator Manual, which instructs members on 10 speeches designed to build skills and confidence.

Toastmasters helps members grow in their communication and listening skills, public speaking and leadership skills.

“The Bigfork club is a friendly and safe environment to increase in your skills,” Ware said. “Guests are welcome to listen to informative, educational, and entertaining speeches from our members. It is a wonderful and enlightening place to spend the lunch hour.” Ware said the club needs of more members to keep the club going. “If you have any interest in joining our fun and life-enhancing group, or observing as a guest, just two hours a month, please come,” she said.

Meetings are every first and third Thursday of the month in the meeting room of Glacier Bank in Bigfork, from noon to 1 p.m. For information, call Ware at 314-3808