Testimonials

From current club members

If I can do it, you can too!

I remember attending a training class years ago. We broke into six-person work groups which were to find a problem solution. I was chosen to present my group's findings, which were on an easel, to the class. When my turn came I was so nervous I actually stood behind the easel to speak.

I thought that was as bad as it could get, but that was before I joined Toastmasters...

Shortly after I took a position as safety engineer, my new boss told me I would be giving presentations and I had better get some training! Human Resources told me to join Toastmasters. I did not want to do this but I felt I had to.

So I joined. Every Thursday morning I would wake up and hope I was sick with the flu, appendicitis, nausea, anything! But with my luck, I always felt fine and realized I'd have to go to the Toastmasters meeting.

After a short time in the club I was asked to run for a club officer position. "Oh sure, I can do that," I replied. I arrived the morning of the election and found I was supposed to have a campaign speech and of course, I didn't!

As I set there and listened to my opponent, I sort of went into shock. By the time my turn came most of the blood had drained from my head. I had a slight stagger as I walked to the lectern. When I turned to face the audience, I realized I could not see. I mumbled something about doing the job right and escaped back to my chair.

That was 1976. Toastmasters has helped me change from a shy introvert to a confident and outgoing extrovert. I still get nervous when I have to give a speech, a little...but I can do it! And you can, too!

First Time Visitor

As I gazed at the flyer for the next Toastmaster meeting on the bulletin board, I felt butterflies in my stomach begin to fly with a strange kind of fear and anticipation.

Wow, I thought, it might be really fun to attend this group and see what it's all about. I repeated this experience two or three more times, gazing at the flyer and always feeling the weird sensations in my stomach and visualizing what would happen or what could happen to me when I visited a meeting.

These fantasies first occurred ten months ago and finally almost two months ago I stepped into the room to experience my first Toastmasters Meeting...

A large, tall man wearing a huge smile welcomed me outside the meeting room door. I immediately felt welcomed by his generous spirit. As we walked in I noticed more big, generous smiles. So I couldn't help but smile back. My host had already agreed (thank goodness!) to introduce me, so I was off the hook! I felt much more comfortable knowing I wouldn't have to speak at all! I could just observe!

I had been worried the Toastmasters would focus all their attention on me, hoping that I would speak right away. Ha! Ha! Instead, I was tactfully introduced to the group by my escort and the meeting continued. I was able to enjoy and observe without feeling as though I was under a microscope.

All in all, I was impressed by the group's warmth and acceptance of me. I felt totally welcome. When I walked out of the meeting I was exhilarated! I did it! I had gone to a Toastmaster's meeting! I still get lots of butterflies, but they're from excitement now, not fear.

We all could use a helping hand

Toastmasters provide a way to improve your speaking skills both personal and professional.

As a high school and college basketball official, I know the importance of communicating with players, coaches and fans. Especially when dealing with young people who are just learning the game.

Things you would say to the upper-level player, you must learn to adjust in your conversation with the lower-level player in order to get your point across, for instance, to the junior high player.

With lessons in vocal variety, gestures and working with words-to name a few areas that toastmasters will help you with-I have a better sense of how to approach, or when to approach, a person who needs a little guidance.

One of the keys to our clubs' success is the people who make up the club itself. The talent level and friendly competitiveness make all who attend want to see themselves improve and use the skills learned to increase their own speaking ability.

We have a mentorship program that will assign a mentor to you, so that you have someone to walk you through each step, give you opportunities to improve and kudos to keep you going.

We meet every Thursday morning at 7:15 in the Aspen room in upper C.

And you can count on a friendly greeting, and big smile from the members.

We'll see you there!

10 Reasons why Toastmasters Interests Me

• To satisfy my curiosity: Ron Duffy raised my awareness of your group, and I also wanted to see what he's really been up to all this time.
• To increase my vocabulary: I love clever use of verbage, and discovered one new word is provided at each meeting.
• Looking for a change in my habits: I'm getting tired of "sleeping-in" until 6 AM; commitment to getting up a little earlier will start a new trend.
• Make new friends: I came, I saw, and enjoyed meeting all.
• Learn to be brief: Your "speech traffic-light system" will help me be attentive to this.
• Increase my speaking volume: I have always had a tendency to speak softly, unless calling my husband who has often been heard to exclaim, "Could you yell a little louder? I don't think they heard you on the next block!"
• Opportunity to conquer a fear: Since I've learned to safely drive on I-25, Academy Blvd. And taught 4 kids to drive, I should be able to handle this. Besides, if Ron can do it, it can't be too hard.
• Self-development is important: It has always been important to me. Why, I have so many self-help books, I can either open a small library or just like Lucy in the "Peanut's comic strip", open a stand with a sign that offers "The Doctor is IN, 5r please"
• Chance to share laughter: I enjoy the Jester's function, to provide comic relief when we could otherwise be a little apprehensive.
• Preparation for the future: Someday I may be again asked to "say a few words" for something that REALLY MATTERS to me, and I want to feel polished.