Get acquainted with our newest distinguished Toastmaster, Bruce Murdoch.
· Bruce Murdoch joined the Argonne Toastmasters Club in December 2000.
· In 2005 he was co-sponsor and a charter member of Walker's Talkers Toastmasters Club. This year he is serving as President of both clubs.
· His original purpose for joining Toastmasters was to improve his instructor/facilitator skills for leading adult training classes. He has been teaching two employee safety classes each month, for the users of research lasers. Also, He has given a number of technical presentations at conferences over the past few years.
· Bruce says, Toastmasters skills have been invaluable in improving his presentation and instructional skills..
· In July, 2007, for his HPL project, he planned, organized, and chaired the "3rd Annual US Dept of Energy Laser Safety Officers Advanced Training Workshop," a 3-day technical symposium held at Argonne National Laboratory.
· The project required 9 months of planning and preparation where he led a team of 6 key coordinators to handle curriculum, speaker assignments, communications and public relations, facility reservations, tours, communications, food, housing, and budgeting. Delegation was critical to the success. The workshop was attended by 85 participants from Universities, government agencies, and US Dept of Energy research laboratories all over the United States.
· The event was very successful, due to excellent collaboration. HPL training played a big role in helping Bruce to hone his skills as a leader.
· Bruce especially wants to express his appreciation for the guidance and suggestions provided by his HPL committee members: Joseph Martinek, Robert Stone, and Cathy and Joseph Wilhelmi.
Bruce was recognized at this year's Spring Conference for his achievement.