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Being a Toastmaster is more than just speaking in front of others. As a Toastmaster, you not only build your own speaking skills, but also refine your business acumen and encourage your fellow Toastmasters to reach the goals they have set for themselves. Together, everyone succeeds! Here are 10 reasons to BE a Toastmaster
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Read What Our Members Have to Say About Us
Maria Brophy, V.P. of Licensing/Marketing, Son of the Sea, Inc
I’ve struggled with public speaking my entire life. In high school I would accept a “0” on a report if it meant having to speak in front of the class! It was when I was in my late 20’s that I received a great job opportunity that would triple my income. The only problem was, it required me to speak to groups of people. I almost turned it down, but then I decided to grow up and get over this fear that crippled me. I joined my first Toastmasters Club in San Clemente for a few years and gained a lot of confidence and better speaking skills, which enabled me to speak to groups of clients. It is now years later, and I still have so much to learn from Toastmasters, so here I am once again, improving upon my skills.
I strongly believe that if you are in sales, or you own your own business, or are involved in any public relations, or just have to attend company meetings, then you need Toastmasters! You can’t get this training anywhere else.
Richard Smith, President (Jan-Jun 2009)
I joined Coastmasters in December, 2007. From the very outset, I felt “safe” with this club and I knew that all the other members were supporting me as I honed my speaking, influencing and leadership skills. I’ve grown in the club and assumed more responsibilities over time, until I’m now in the leadership role of President. That provides me with a great platform to “pay it forward.” Coastmasters has brought back to me some of my fondest experiences in my career in business, marketing and sales: the opportunity to associate with a group of first-class people who lead from their hearts. I know that what comes out of their mouths, more polished and persuasive with experiences here in our club, is straight from their hearts.
What a great club, dedicated to everyone’s growth and achievement, with INTEGRITY obvious in everyone there, everything we as a club undertake, at all times. No exceptions! Thanks to all the other members and to Toastmasters International for making this possible.
David DeRee, EA Past President
I came to Toastmasters kicking and screaming at the strong urging of my employer. Now, ten years later, I look forward to the meetings each week.
The skills that I have learned are helpful in many areas of my life. The Toastmaster program builds your confidence as it improves your communication skills. The supportive atmosphere of our club makes for a comfortable and safe environment to challenge yourself as never before.
Terry McCann, Former Executive Director of Toastmasters International
In 1960, returning from the Olympics where I won a gold medal in wrestling, I received numerous speaking invitations. After accepting a few, I found I lacked the skill to hold an audience. A friend, learning of my problem, invited me to join his Toastmasters Club. I joined, and the problem was solved. I soon learned how to address an audience and motivate them to act on my words. Toastmasters did it!
Dr. Bradley Shapero, Chiropractor / Entrepreneur
It is well known that communication is the universal solvent. When used properly can cut through the most difficult of situations and resolve very upsetting conflicts to the satisfaction of all parties involved. My experience as a member of our local chapter and having served various capacities within the club and local district has been quite valuable. This platform allows for great growth in communications skills and interaction with diverse groups of people. I highly recommend this for both young and mature ages as well as everyone in between. We never know how far reaching an effect we can have on our fellow man.
Toastmasters has helped to provide a comfortable yet viable ground to grow the skills of a successful speaker and leader in the community. Handling meetings always looks easier from the spectators seat, however the ever changing dynamics of a group poses new situations and challenges regularly. This is another valuable life skill available in Toastmasters. As a member, one becomes ever more confident in handling these situations and speaking confidently and concisely. Remember becoming skillful in anything requires doing it. Toastmasters gives you the opportunity to practice in a coaching environment so that you make your mistakes where you can easily learn from it without having to learn in public or in some other formal setting. If becoming an expert in speaking and conducting meetings is your goal or you simply want to improve your speaking ability this is the club for you.
Helping you to develop a better future today.
Kimberly Keyton
I recently asked a multi-millionaire what he did to be successful in his business. The very first thing he said was “Join Toastmasters.” So I did! Since joining Toastmasters, I have found an organization that can take my public speaking and actually teach me the skills to be an effective public speaker. I used to ‘wing it’ when I would speak and now I realize that there is so much more that I can do to get my message across and in a way that the audience can enjoy.
As a specific chapter, this is a group of individuals who are forward thinkers, who believe in the individual’s ability to transform the world and who are actively taking steps in each of their personal lives to do this. I am honored to belong to the Coastmasters Chapter of Toastmasters and privileged to consider them my friends.
Come join us won’t you?
Bob Anderson, Affant Communication
Some of the many benefits of my participation in Toastmasters include becoming a more confident and competent speaker in both my daily person-to-person interactions, and formal speaking opportunities. By becoming a more effective communicator the modest time invested in Toastmasters has been returned to me many times over. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to move forward in their business or personal endeavors.
Jonathan Morgan Jenkins, Vocal Trainer, Internet Marketing Expert
I have trained hundreds of voices in private and group settings over the last 26 years. Toastmasters offers me a place to fine-tune my public speaking skills in a non-judgemental and supportive environment. As a club officer, I am also able to have an opportunity to serve others which is the true foundation for any degree of success.
Mary Jo Conrad, Club President 2003-2004
It has been an exciting experience as Club President of our Toastmasters Club 6658 this past year. I am a little biased but we have the best club in the area. The reasons are:
I am a member of Coastmasters of Dana Point since 1998 and currently an Advanced Toastmaster Silver. We are also a social club and enjoy getting together for social events at least twice a year. We look forward to a growing and vital club, serving the needs of our membership.