A Pitt Meadows master of speeches has advanced to the semifinals in a global competition involving 30,000 speakers from around the world.
Stefano Cossalter will be representing Canada when he heads to the semifinals of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest taking place in Vancouver this year.
He is now in the top 26 global speakers.
“This is incredibly exciting, not just for me, but for our local Toastmaster District.” said Cossalter. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete at the highest level and to represent Canada in the semifinals.
Cossalter is a member of Blue Heron Toastmasters, in District 21, and is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that helps people build confidence, communication, and leadership skills through a supportive club environment.
Members practise prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, meeting leadership, and constructive feedback.
The Toastmasters International Speech Contest begins at the club level and progresses through area, division, district, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds.
Cossalter enjoys Toastmasters, because, he said the group gives ordinary people a place to find their voice.
“Whether someone wants to speak at work, lead more confidently, tell better stories, or simply stop fearing public speaking, a local club like Blue Heron Toastmasters can be life-changing. The organization has revolutionized my life, giving me the ability to communicate whether it’s an audience of one thousand or an audience of one,” he said, adding he is thrilled this year the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention is being held in Vancouver, where his family, friends, and fellow Toastmasters will be able to cheer him on.
The 2026 Toastmasters International Convention will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, August 19–22
For more information on Toastmasters International local to District 21 British Columbia & Yukon, go to: www.d21toastmasters.ca or contact: info@d21toastmasters.ca.