BELFAST — A professional development program, Public Speaking for Business and More, will be offered May 3, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center. Nonprofit leaders, business leaders, educators, municipal officials, members of the clergy and others interested in becoming a better, more effective speaker are invited to register.

Presenter Tom Dowd received a communications degree from the University of Delaware. He is a speaker, and an author, trainer and coach. As a member of Toastmasters International, Dowd exhibits consistent success in speech competitions and achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster status in 2015, according to the Hutchinson Center, in a news release.

Dowd utilized his 25+ years of experience in the financial and customer service industry to start Thomas Dowd Professional Development and Coaching, LLC, where he helps people to creatively find their own paths to success.

Program participants will learn how to relieve the stress associated with speaking publicly; become skilled in speaking with or without notes; think quickly, speak logically and engage an audience; and use the power of personalized storytelling to increase information retention.

The cost of the program is $195 per person, and includes a continental breakfast and catered lunch. Need-based scholarships are available.

For more information or to register online, visit hutchinsoncenter.umaine.edu/professional-development.

The Hutchinson Center, an outreach center of the University of Maine, is committed to offering high-quality professional development programs to the greater Midcoast Maine community, according to the release.

For information or to request an accommodation or scholarship application, contact Diana McSorley, 207.338.8093; diana.mcsorley@maine.edu