I’ve been associated with TM for over 5 years. English is my second language and I have an accent. 

As an occupational health and safety consultant, I need good communication skills to convey technical information into easy-to-understand levels for employers and employees. Often, I provide safety presentations. Good communication skills make the difference in having a successful presentation.

The weekly TM meetings help me continuously improve my speaking skills while having fun and learning new ideas. 

In my job, people need to listen to me, as I teach health and nursing concepts.  Toastmasters has helped me be concise and factual with my knowledge and learn the techniques of good communication.  The content of an education session is important, but I have to deliver the message in an entertaining and persuasive manner so that my message will be remembered.  Sometimes less is better and I am a better communicator due to Toastmasters. 

My speaking skills were pretty good before I came to Toastmasters, but they soon got better.  Regular practice helps keep those skills sharp, but that's not what has kept me coming back for 15 years. 

It's FUN!  That's all there is to it.  You know how some people get their kicks by doing scary things -- like jumping out of airplanes?  I do this scary thing that's called standing up and speaking in public.  What a rush!

It's also gratifying to see new members come into the club and watch how they improve in just a few months.  That lets me know that even though I'm having a heck of a lot of fun, I'm also helping others improve their lives. 

I often speak to audiences of 20-100 people, informing other scientists about our research results.  When I joined the Pioneer club in 1989, I was absolutely terrified of speaking to more than about 2 or 3 people.  I was worried that my fear of public speaking would hinder career advancement.  After becoming a Pioneer Toastmaster I soon learned to channel that negative energy in a positive way, and now I welcome the opportunity to speak to groups large and small.  I still get nervous before speeches, but I recognize that as a sign that my body and brain are preparing to rise to the occasion.  There's also a lot to be said for the old adage "practice, practice, practice."  The frequent opportunities to speak and listen to speeches at club meetings help keep my skills sharp between opportunities to speak at national and international meetings. 

And best of all, the folks who seek out Toastmasters are fun, energetic, and interesting; it's a great way to make new friends and broaden horizons.

How Toastmasters has helped me:

My confidence while talking to people both individually and in groups has increased dramatically

I am much more comfortable getting up in front of people - in any situation - I have much less nervousness than I used to

My ability to concentrate and pay attention to people when they speak has gotten much better - I am more focused on what they are saying, and I'm a better listener

It's much easier for me to establish and maintain eye contact with people when communicating - whether it is in a job interview, a personal conversation, or on the job

I have more confidence in myself in general - I get less anxious about upcoming situations because I know that I can use my communication skills to get through whatever challenges arise

I think more clearly and think about what I am going to say before I say it, rather than speaking abruptly or expressing myself in ways which do not achieve the desired outcomes or results - I am much more cognizant of the listener's demographics, and what the impact of what I say to them will be

I have an even broader vocabulary and my grammar has improved

I speak much more clearly - My words are well chosen, and there are a great deal fewer "ums" "ahs" and unnecessary connectives in my speech than there used to be

I have learned to use pauses to my advantage, rather than feeling as if I "must" insert a word or sound into a quiet space in my conversation (an "um" for example!)

It has helped me to listen more closely to what people are asking for, or trying to accomplish

I no longer have stage fright!

I decided to join Toastmasters after attending a presentations class at work.  There was only one problem with the presentation I did for the class; it took twice as long as when I practiced  - because I needed to stop so often, and regain my composure!!

The first club I tried was the Pioneer Toastmasters.  That night, I knew I'd found a club that could help me learn to be at ease when speaking in public;  the members are supportive, encouraging, and experienced at keeping the meeting positive.  I surprised myself by trying a  Table Topic that first night.

I like that we meet in the evenings, and that the meetings are generally kept on schedule.  It's easier for me to make the time commitment.  I also like the diversity of our group; we have professionals from all walks of life, so the speeches provide a relaxed and fun exposure to highly varied topics, from environmental issues, to education and health issues.