Greetings, I
am Mike Steineck, and I am the Vice President of Education for the Greater
Greenwood Toastmasters in Greenwood, Indiana. Recently, I volunteered to
do the research and give an educational speech about the benefits of
participating in speech contests, and the leadership ability that is
developed as a club officer for Toastmasters. I used the normal resources
to gather information, but I felt it wasn't enough. I felt that personal
testimonials from current Toastmasters around the world would have a
greater impact, so I posted the question on the alt.org.toastmasters
newsgroup on the internet. The response was overwhelming, so I turned the
testimonials into a handout to be given out at the conclusion of my
speech. Many of the people who were kind enough to send testimonials
asked for a copy. It was decided to post the testimonials on a web page
for all to see. This is a living document. If you are inspired by the
testimonials, and would like to contribute yours, then email it to me at
cx983@FreeNet.Carleton.CA.
I hope you enjoy the testimonials as much as I do. Thanks to the
Toastmasters who took the time to write a testimonial, and also for the
help in posting the testimonials to the WWW.
Michael Steineck, CTM
Greater Greenwood Toastmasters 4081-11, VP of Education Greenwood, Indiana
Irvington Advanced Toastmasters 199-11Indianapolis, Indiana
There
have been 
hits to this document since March 2, 1996.
From:
DTMPat@aol.com
When I was a relatively new member, I was cajoled
into representing our club at an Area Contest. No one was surprised when
I did not win, but I was amazed at my own reaction to the experience.
Because I was speaking to a larger group, and mostly strangers, I found
myself acting differently from club meetings. In my case, gestures were
larger and wilder ( I am petite, did I think they wouldn't see me?), and I
didn't exactly project my voice...I yelled. The experience taught me
about my response to a real audience, and what else needed work.
That was then. This is now. I am in demand as a speaker both in and
out of Toastmasters. Last week I spoke to NASA engineers at J.P.L. about
non-verbal communication, and they called it an "entertaining and
distinguished presentation" from which they learned a lot. I am teaching
rocket scientists!
That first competition was not much fun for
me, but it certainly was a worthwhile growing experience. One can't
improve without taking chances on finding out what needs improvement.
As the commercials say - "Just Do It!"
Pat Stewart DTM LGET
Los Angeles Club #3 Van Nuys Club #52 District 52 (Southern California)
1983 Area B-5 Contest "loser" 1988 Area Governor of the Year 1994 District
Table Topics Champion
From: peanut1111@aol.com
The
one thing that has really help me understand people, is Toastmasters. As
an officer, you learn so many things that a book will never be able to
teach you. If you want to become a better manager, become an officer.
Cindy Carter, DTM Division Governor District 48 Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Alabama 3874-48
From: bo943@freenet.carleton.ca (C.
J. Taberski)
I have been a member of Toastmasters for 4.5 years.
During that time I've made great strides in my personal self-fulfillment
and in my career. When I joined TM, I worked as a secretary. Shortly
thereafter, I received a promotion and became an administrator. Within
one year I was teaching academic classes at the college where I work. The
confidence to teach was something I gained by being in Toastmasters.
During the four years, I have been treasurer, VP Education, and president
for two years. I also started two additional clubs and the organizational
skills gained have been invaluable. I am also in my second year as Area
Governor. I love Toastmasters, the skills gained and the friends made. I
expect to stay in TM formany years to come.
I belong to clubs
#5116 and #7469. Club 7469 was chartered Jan. 1995 at the request of my
boss. We've been struggling to get the membership up to charter strength.
(It took us 15 months to charter and we lost people along the way.) Two
weeks ago we started a Speechcraft. What an energy booster! We have 9
eager participants. I feel they joined Speechcraft instead of the club
because they felt safety in numbers and knew there weren't a bunch of
experienced Toastmasters and they would be the only new kid on the block.
We're doing it within the club and had 19 people present yesterday. It
was wonderful! But, enough about that endeavor. It's just so
exhilarating. Club 5116 has been around for about 12 yearsand it keeps
itself going. As members leave, new members join. We do nothing to
recruit besides our individual word-of-mouth and keep membership around
21-26 which is a good number for a one-hour meeting. Both clubs are in
Traverse City, Michigan, a beautiful community in the northern, lower
peninsula situated on two beautiful bays. We get many visitors in the
summer because Traverse City is a wonderful place to take a vacation.
I am also about half way to getting my DTM since I have sponsored two
clubs, put on a Speechcraft, sponsored five new members, and presented
outside the club meetings. I am in the process of organizing a Youth
Leadership within the year. It's all so exciting! (Well, I am in the
process of doing a speechcraft.)
Carol Taberski ATM Area 14
Governor, District #62 Clubs #5116 and #7469 Traverse City, Michigan
From: Mrlibrary@aol.com
I've been in contests and I
am a club officer. Contests have benefited me by giving me the chance to
try and try again. If I don't win, at least I competed. The experience
is still enjoyable. I enjoy being a club officer, because that gives me
the confidence to try things. I have learned how to do other things that
have helped me in work and in my life. How have they built confidence? I
can give you an example from this past Saturday. I went into the library
I work for off duty to check a couple of things on the computer. One of
the sprinkler heads blew and we had water all over the place. I got the
building evacuated and then helped the police and the fire departments
secure everything. I would not have had that kind of confidence before
being a Toastmasters officer in both the club and the district. Mike
Charton-ATM Morristown Toastmasters, Club 3540 Dist. 46 VP Membership and
Div. H Gov. Morristown, New Jersey
From:
76130.221@compuserve.com (ESJ)
In the eight years I've been a
Toastmaster, I've competed in my share of speech contests. I've lost
contests at the club level. I've also competed in the World Championship
of Public Speaking (last summer in San Diego). Speech contests have pushed
me to develop my speaking skills, to progressively confront my fears and
to finally stand on a stage in front of more than 2000 people in the
ultimate contest. Most of all, speech contests have taught me about the
true nature of winning. When I began competing, I did it for the really
neat trophies you could win. Now, I know there are benefits far beyond
that. We are all given a power when we join Toastmasters -- the power to
touch other people's lives and sometimes, when we're very lucky, to change
a life, to make it better. Doing that is what makes you a winner, and it
has nothing to do with trophies. I didn't come home from San Diego with a
trophy, but I know I touched people in that audience. In that respect, I
was a winner. There ultimately is nothing to fear (really!) and everything
to gain, so expand your comfort zone and compete. Take full advantage of
the power this organization gives you. I guarantee you'll never regret
it.
Kathie Clark, ATM-B Garland Toastmasters, Garland, TX Club
1207-50
From: hodgesb@dmapub.dma.org ("William N.
Hodges")
I would take much more than a paragraph to tell someone
what I have gotten out of Toastmasters. In fact I have always felt that if
someone got all there was from Toastmasters they would never get out of
Toastmasters. I have been a Toastmaster for about 15 years and have held
almost every club and district office. Currently I am the District 40
Immediate Past District Governor. Educationally I have completed between 8
and 10 CTM's, ATM, Bronze and silver and a DTM. Over the years I have been
involved in the sponsoring of 5 clubs and the saving of many more. Since
my business is speaking and training the information and lessons I have
learned here have been invaluable. Even though I speak all over the world
I am very excited to have been selected to speak at the 1996 Toastmaster
International convention.
I wish you a GREAT DAY!!!
Bill
Hodges, DTM PDG District 40Fairborn, Ohio
HODGES SEMINARS INTERNATIONAL - WHERE GREAT DAYS BEGIN
WILLIAM "BILL" HODGES, DTM **AUTHOR**KEYNOTE SPEAKER**
TRAINER**
Author of the BEST SELLING motivational book "Within Your
Reach." Ask for it in your local book store. Books in print ISBN#
0-9622717-0-5. Cover price $4.95 US Cur. or order from Hodges
Seminars Int'l, P.O. 22 Fairborn, Ohio 45324
$1.25 shipping ($2.00 outside of USA) Quantity Discounts
E-MAIL:hodgesb@dma.org
From: xymetrix@cris.com (xymetrix)
Toastmasters has made me a different person! It has given me
the confidence to go up to people I don't even know and start
talking to them about anything. I rarely get nervous anymore
doing speeches and my speaking abilities continue to improve
drastically.
It has taught me valuable leadership skills, I have been
President, Vice President of Education, Vice President of
Membership, and Treasurer in the 2 and 1/2 years I have been in
Toastmasters. I am currently a member of 2 different clubs. I
am a CTM and am 4 speeches away from receiving my ATM. I have
been very active in speech contests and have won the Area
Humorous and Area International Speech Contests. I placed 3rd in
the Division International Speech Contest. I feel that speech
contests are a great way to improve your speaking. Many times, I
don't have time to practice my speeches for regular TM meetings
as much as I would like to, but when you compete in Speech
Contests, you have to work really hard to look your best. They
are fun and you get to meet other people from different clubs and
areas. When I compete, I also go to other clubs to get feedback
on my competition speech. This is invaluable! You get all kinds
of interesting comments and helpful insights.
The area that Toastmasters has helped me the most in, is in
front of groups of people at job interviews and meetings. About a
year ago I was faced with several job interviews that turned out
to be "surprise" group interviews. About 30 applicants sat in
the room together and had to answer questions about ourselves.
One of the questions was: "If you could hire anyone at this table
besides yourself, who would you hire." Nearly everyone at each
of these group interviews I attended was so nervous, they could
hardly speak. I, on the other hand, was offered the job in EVERY
situation over all the others. It was just like table topics.
Even after the interview, other applicants came up to me and
complimented me on my confidence and eloquence. It was great
feeling! I get the same reaction from speaking at organizational
meetings. And I owe it all to Toastmasters!
But the greatest part of Toastmasters is the incredible
friendships that are made! After attending the International
Convention in San Diego last August, I was really inspired. That
was an incredible trip. I have never met so many nice, outgoing,
confident, positive people in my whole life! This is why I am
planning to visit other TM clubs around the country when I go on
my trip (looks like I will probably coming in May). When I
posted my message on the Internet about my trip, the response was
overwhelming. People invited me to their clubs; offered to give
me personal tours of their city; told me of places I should visit
while in their city, offered to let me stay with them, etc. It
was wonderful! I cannot wait to meet everyone and see how clubs
around the rest of the country work!
Claudia Jordan, CTM
Scottsdale, Arizona
University Toastmasters (Arizona State University) 4995-3
Tempe, Arizona
Walkie Talkies 5641-3
Phoenix, Arizona
From: 102547.1074@compuserve.com
I think that the greatest thing about Toastmasters is the
ability to grow no matter what level you're at. I've held just
about every position with the exception of treasurer and I've
learned something different in each job. When you're President
you need to look at the big picture, what's best for the club as
a whole. As EVP you realize that people have different goals and
you look for ways to help them achieve them. Being VP of
membership or Sgt at Arms is a great way to force yourself to be
more open and welcoming to people, especially if you're not
comfortable walking up to strangers. I've never held an office
that I didn't take as much, or more, out of than I put in.
For me speech contests are the best part of Toastmasters.
It's easy to become a little complacent just giving speeches
inside your own club, competing makes you move outside your
comfort zone. I've competed in every competition and been to the
district level a couple of times. Each time I moved to a higher
level I was forced to dig down deeper inside myself to see what
else I could do to make my presentation stronger. You never know
what you're really capable of until you try it.
I'm an ATM and the immediate past president of Tarheel
Toastmasters #1293-37 based in Raleigh, North Carolina. I'm also
theVice President of Membership for Raleigh Cable Toastmasters
#7020-37, one of a handful of Toastmaster Clubs in the country
which holds its meetings on community access television.
Christyna Copeland Bobrick, ATM
Tarheel Toastmasters 1293-37 Immediate Past President
Raleigh Cable Toastmasters 7020-37, VP of Membership
Raleigh, North Carolina
From: xqh2642@is.NYU.EDU (Xiaoyin Hou)
The best thing about being a club officer is that you can
promote your club and gain valuable experience in relating to
others without feeling like it is a personal rejection. Just
think of how wonderful it is to be amongst friendly, supportive,
nurturing people who only want to help you. This is what the
genre of a toastmaster club is all about. For those of you have
been a member and do everyone a favor by being there, just
remember, without the dedication and devotion of those who want
to serve there would be no club. Participation in speaking,
evaluating and doing table topics is all part of the
communication end of the stick, but we are also an organization
of leadership. As a club officer you are able to grow in this
area.
Participation in contests has nothing to do with competing
against others. The idea was devised so that members would come
to the club prepared and to compete against their former work.
That was the message of Dr. Ralph C. Smedley some years ago.
Paula Horwitz, ATMB
VP Public Relations
Blue Ribbon Toastmasters,
NYC Advanced Club, #2081
District 46 Area 44 Governor
From: urban@leprechaun.com ("Michael Alexander")
I joined Toastmasters a skilled and talented speaker, and an
accomplished actor and director. However, previously I had only
been able to run a meeting based on my personal strength of will
and charisma. This meant that I could control a meeting, but
what was accomplished was limited by my understanding and
imagination, and in a group of other strong willed personalities,
the whole system could break down. As an officer of
Toastmasters, I learned to direct a meeting properly, using
Roberts Rules of Order, so that everyone could get a fair chance
to participate, regardless of forcefulness of personality. Using
those skills, I was able to direct the creation of a small
Internet startup firm, which has been successful only because of
what I learned in Toastmasters about controlling a meeting
without strangling the ideas of the membership.
Michael Alexander, ATM
Midway Toastmasters, Club 636, District 6 Minnesota
Former - Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, V.P. Admin, President
Michael Alexander (A.K.A.
Rednaxela) Web page:
http://www.leprechaun.com
From: njr@iglou.com Nicholas J. Ritter, CTM
Hello all from the world of electronic toastmaster
communication. I have participated in many speech contests and
have been sergeant-at-arms of my club. The reason that I feel
that it is beneficial for you to get involved in toastmasters (be
it through club officers or through speech contests) is
twofold:
1) it helps your communication skills to even greater
extents. It gives you confidence, poise, and tact. you will be
able to walk into a meeting, accomplish a certain agenda, and
walk out without feeling like you've been put through the
ringer.
2) networking. have you ever heard the phrase "it all boils
down to good "ol American know who!" when you participate in
speech contests or are a club officer, you meet numerous
toastmasters from all over. some of these toastmaster are looking
for people just like you to help them-- and they will pay you
accordingly. I was able to start a computer consulting business
my freshman year in college, just dealing with local
toastmasters. It didn't take long and I was contracted to work
for a large consulting firm in Lexington, Ky. I'm just a soph.
pursuing my computer engineering degree and making more money
working a couple of hours a month, than someone working full time
at McDonald's. I owe it all to networking in toastmasters. thanks
for your time.
Nick Ritter, CTM
Pioneer 453 Cincinnati Ohio
From: astech@iinet.net.au (Anthony Shipley)
When I gave my P2 speech, I was encouraged to do it again at
the International Speech contest.
I had never been to one and so did not have the sense to
decline. I came second in the club and first in the area. I guess
nobody had expected me to really get anywhere because suddenly I
had to rush around different clubs doing my P3-P6 for
eligibility. I got somebody to help me with my voice and grabbed
one or two books on public speaking.
In the end I came second in the Division. It was a most
exciting and terrifying experience. I wouldn't recommend this as
the ideal way of walking through your CTM (and it took me another
2 years to complete my CTM).
It did work for me though. I normally have a two year limit
to any activity I indulge in but I've been in Toastmasters for
over 6 years now. I have also competed in many more contests (and
lost most of them).
I recommend that every Toastmasters enters as many contests
as possible. Competing brings out the best in you . Winning is a
great feeling, but I promise you will learn more about life and
about yourself when you lose and compete again. I can commend
coming second (as I have so many times, sigh). It's nearly as
good as winning and you still have the challenge of the next
contest.
Anthony Shipley
CTM, and counting slowly.......
St. George's Toastmasters, 6312, D73 Australia
unofficially, author of Club Assistant - software designed to
make the VPEs task of scheduling your meetings easy.
From: shern1@ix.netcom.com (samuel hernandez)
I have been VP-Education, President, and now I am serving
District One as an AG: E-1. I have my ATM, and am now working on
my ATM-Silver. My home club is The Long Beach Gavel,
Toastmasters Club Charter No. 11, in District 1, Los Angeles,
California.
I can't speak highly enough of TM's basic manual speeches 1 -
10. They are a must just to get a basic understanding of what
it means to put a speech together. I think that every
toastmaster CTM should compete, because this is where the rubber
meets the road. Competition provides you a sure way of knowing
whether you got a good handle of the basics in preparing and
presenting presentations. When TMs start the advanced manuals,
you put all the good stuff you learned from the basic manual
together and then really begin the process of self-development
and perfecting the _craft_ of public speaking. I am now a
seminar leader for a national seminar organization. I attribute
85% of my success in being selected to represent this
organization to TMs and 15% to my background and training.'
Samuel Hernandez, ATM
The Long Beach Gavel Toastmasters 11-1
Los Angeles, California
Public Speaking is a wonderful craft
From: jmonson@chch.planet.org.nz (Jmonson)
About a year ago I was in a fairly deep depression which was
annoying me, mainly because I did not know why I was depressed.
I decided that one thing that might help me was to be more active
in society. I joined Toastmasters for a number of reasons,
including a wish to be more involved, the desire to be more
confident in certain situations which were troubling me, and as a
recognition of my prior enjoyment of public speaking
situations.
I have completed 5 speeches (2 months short of a years
membership) and have already noticed an increased ability in my
speaking skilled, increased confidence, and a decrease in my
shyness towards strangers. I am more able to speak in situations
which were troubling me.
I am now enjoying life a lot more than I was, and do believe
that membership in toastmasters been a real positive step, and is
worth every cent of the fees charged.
Jason Monson
Pegasus Toastmasters,
Christchurch New Zealand; District 72
From: exumol@exu.ericsson.se (Molly Waterman)
I have been a member of Toastmasters for a short time (less
than one year). I became the VP of membership on Jan. 1 of this
year.Initially, I felt somewhat unqualified for the position,
being so new to Toastmasters and having made only one speech so
far, but I wanted to do something to help our small club.
Besides, just about all the members who regularly attend meetings
have some officer role!
The reason VP of membership was attractive to me was that I
thought it would help with something I've had problems with --
introducing myself to people. I very rarely introduce myself to
anyone. I'm always waiting to be introduced! My goal (among
others) is to always introduce myself to each new guest at our
meetings. It must be working, because I already feel much more
comfortable with it and it's only February!
Molly Waterman
VP Membership
Ericsson Ericos Toastmasters
Club #6945, District 50
From: 76103.2764@compuserve.com ("Timothy R. Keck")
Over the years I've participated in Toastmasters I have
benefited immeasurably from both contest speaking and serving in
leadership roles in the club and beyond. Contest speaking has
provided me with opportunities to sharpen my skills, enjoy the
excitement of competition, and improve my speaking skills in ways
that accelerate the progress of working in our manuals.
I couldn't overstate the importance of leadership development
in the club. I've always believe that serving as club officers
creates a classic win-win situation. The club, which is where
the Toastmasters experience takes place, benefits and we gain
professional and life skills that serve us well inside and
outside Toastmasters. I can no longer separate my own progress
as a leader into neat "inside Toastmasters" and "in my
professional role as a senior manager" categories. I do know
that I gained--and continue to gain--vital skills through
leadership development in Toastmasters. I would say to all of
you--if you aren't experiencing this side of Toastmasters, you
aren't experiencing the full power of Toastmasters."
I've served in every club officer position and in leadership
positions at area, division, district, and international levels.
Currently I'm delighted and proud to be a candidate for Third
Vice President of Toastmasters International.
Tim Keck, DTM, PID.
Pearl City Toastmasters, Honolulu HI. (2805-49).
Aloha from Hawaii--Tim Keck
From: 102114.25@compuserve.com
I have experienced significant growth in every position I
have held in Toastmasters, from Sgt-at-Arms to International
Director. However, my most excellerated period of growth was a
six month period one year after becoming a member. I served as
President of TNT Toastmasters, #4533-25. Presiding over our
weekly meetings really helped get my butterflies flying in
formation. I also entered the International Speech Contest. I won
the Club and Area Contests. Didn't place at Division...but the
process of competing contributed to my self-confidence and built
my self-esteem.
I recommend that Toastmaster members seek opportunities to
hold office and compete as often as possible. The process really
stretches the comfort zone and contributes to growth.
Jo Anna McWilliams
TNT Toastmasters 4533-25
Dallas, Texas
From: sdriscol@oclc.org (Steve Driscoll)
I have a video tape of myself at one of my first speeches. I
was really AWKWARD. The butterflies were swarming likekiller
bees inside.
Now I've accomplished the following:
1 - Sold my managers on the value of getting a presence on
the World Wide Web. This was in 1994 and it took ALOT of selling
to do this then. I received the President's Award for my role in
this.
2 - Presented several talks to students in both the
elementary and high school levels about careers in computers.
3 - I'm about to present a talk at a software testing
conference. Here I'll be addressing about 100 people or so. My
topic is ensuring quality on the World Wide Web.
4 - Oh BTW, I entered a speech contest two years back and
won at several levels. At the District level I spoke in front of
200 people (or so). This was frightening (but I survived).
Steve Driscoll , CTM
Club: Greater Columbus Toastmasters #214-40
Columbus, Ohio
From: cj246@freenet.carleton.ca (Roland Altfuldisch)
Entering speech contests I found that real Toastmasters like
to enter contests simply by participating they know they are
entering the circle of winners. They know that not entering the
contest is similar to a person not buying a lottery ticket that
person will definitely never win anything.
But there is another reason. In a contest you measure your
skill against other than your friends in your home club. It is
the proof of the pudding. You are speaking in front of
strangers, you are being judged purely by merit, you find out how
good you really are. You also get known by more people and you
will be considered for leadership and higher office.
I found the above to be true. At the present I serve as PR
in area 8, Division B, Club 9122 and 9415 in District 61 Canada.
I am an ATM and aiming for ATM Silver at the present. I am a
Toastmaster since 1981 and have held every position on the
Executive up to Area Governor I like to be a Toastmaster and
share my experiences with other Toastmasters.
Roland Alt-Fuldish ATM
575 Bayview Drive
R.R.# 1, Woodlawn Ontario Canada
Clubs 9122 and 9415 District 61
From: darlcomm@IntNet.net (DC Stultz)
Background: Joined TM in Oct 1981. Got my DTM 10 years ago
last month. Was the first TMer in my district (District 47 which
includes Florida and the Bahamas) to earn ATM-B and first to earn
ATM-S. Have held every club office at least once; was an Area
Gov; was District bulletin editor (and won a TMI Top Ten award
for it); have written bunches of TM bulletins at the club (won
District award and a TMI Top Ten award too) and at Area (won
District award two years straight). Am currently the PR VP for
E-Systems' Easy Talkers Club 7943 in St Pete FL. (and am doing a
weekly bulletin.)
One challenge that I have made to my fellow Toastmasters is
this:
"If you were accused in a court of law of being an active
Toastmaster, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"
Like everyone I know, I joined TM to get the rust out of my
presentation skills. Leadership training was not on my agenda.
But three weeks after joining, I was asked to run (unopposed) for
EVP. "What's that?" I asked. "Educational Vice President," was
the reply. "Okay," I said, "Vice Presidents never do anything."
I quickly learned differently.
Under my president's leadership, we turned that company club
around (we had 9 members total -- I was #9) and within 6 months
we had 22 and were growing like mad. I progressed to Pres and I
challenged the club to grow to the point that we could split into
two clubs. We did that. Both clubs are still active although I
am no longer in the Melbourne (FL) area.
I entered the contests early in my TM career, because quite
frankly we needed more bodies in the contests. I came in dead
last in my first 4 contests. Which made me mad. Not that I lost;
I deserved that. But I vowed contests. Which made me mad. Not
that I lost; I deserved that. But I vowed I'd keep going until I
won one. I kept going until I had won every contest at least once
at the club level. (Have gone to District, but never won there.)
The contests were not a cake walk ever. I've been beaten at the
club level by the eventual District winner for Advanced Speech,
International Speech and Humorous Speech contests at least a half
dozen times! The one contest I remember most was an Area
Advanced Speech contest. I beat a pro who is a Past District
Gov and was a past District winner in that contest. What a
high.
What are the pluses of TM? Visibility in my company.
Promotions directly tied to TM activities. (I had conned my boss
into joining our club. I was the Toastmaster the day he gave his
last speech for his CTM. His title: "The Company Promotion
Board." And he used viewgraphs of my promotion package for his
presentation. That's how and when I found out about my promotion.
Neat.) Skills that I didn't know I'd use. My newsletter skills
have turned into good freelance income. (Four 4-page newsletters
for a local business earned enough to pay my TM per capita for 40
years!) Every other non profit organization I have been
associated with has quickly put me in leadership roles. (If you
can even spell "parliamentary procedure" they'll grab you!)
You also get to hear about all kinds of interesting things in
a meeting. You'll even remember a few of the speeches others
gave years after. Like: Four kinds of hugs. (I was used for the
demonstration.) And, an interesting speech on the joys of
needlepoint. (given by a PhD.... a male PhD) And, you get to
call people from all stations in life, friends. I have friends
like a Past International President who lives in New Zealand, at
least three Past International Directors, I am close friends with
a half dozen Past District Governors.
The old saw is correct: What you will get out of Toastmasters
is directly proportional to what you put into it.
DC Stultz, DTM
E-Systems Easy Talkers
Club 7943, Area 2, Western Division, District 47
Largo FL
From: LEJACKSON@aol.com
Subject: Re: Personal Testimonial
To: cx983@freenet.carleton.ca
Joining Toastmasters, someday, had been on my list of "Things
To Do" for many years. In mid-year 1989 I found myself moving
through the door of opportunity into a challenging new position
in the Marketing Department of my company. By October I knew
that I was out of my league. If I was going to be successful
, I needed to develop my communication skills. That's when I
finally joined Toastmasters. Joining helped me to not only keep
my job, but it helped me to excel at that job.
Being in Toastmasters has helped me from the beginning to
become more adept at interacting with people, on and off the
job, which was what I expected. Toastmasters has also helped me
in a totally unexpected way, by increasing my confidence in
myself and my abilities. This has come through stretching beyond
my comfort zone and taking on leadership roles.
In the first two months my club asked me to be the Secretary
I was reluctant to take on this responsibility for many
reasons, mostly fear based:
1) maybe I would not do a good enough job,
2) I really didn't have the time to take on anything else, my
life was already too busy , and
3) I did not know how to be a Secretary of a Toastmaster
club.
Fortunately, I worked through those fears and, with the
support of my club members, did manage to get through that first
leadership position. I had fun, did very well, and, most
importantly, learned to not take myself so seriously. I have had
a leadership role in Toastmasters ever since. I have learned
from my experience and from watching others, that most of us do
grow into, and beyond, each leadership position that we have the
courage to accept.
There has been an extreme amount of personal growth since
joining Toastmaster and taking full advantage of this
communication and leadership program. Once we step out of our
comfort zone there are many growth opportunities awaiting
us!!!.
Linda Jackson,ATM
Stadium Club #1815
LGET, District 5 - San Diego, California
L.Hogan
Toastmasters International is well known for its educational
programs. The manual speeches given at each meeting certainly
offer one of the best speaker's training methods around. But the
contests offer an even better opportunity to fine tune and polish
that favorite speech. Contests were something that I avoided for
quite some time, until I tried one. It was then I realized that
a contest gave me that extra push to really turn an idea into a
fine quality product. What I hadn't expected, was the support
from not only my home club, but other clubs as well. Other
members really want to see you succeed and the extra feedback has
helped me tremendously.
There is however, a second area within Toastmasters that is
perhaps lesser known; that is the leadership training offered.
Serving as an officer with the club level is excellent
preparation not only for leadership within the club, but in other
community organizations and in the work place as well. I don't
know of any other organization that offers such first class
training for its members or the opportunities to work with
excellent mentors who generously pass on their experience. The
knowledge and self confidence I have gained completely outweighs
the time and effort I have put in. The next time someone from
your club offers you an office position, resist the temptation to
say, "I don't have time". I guarantee you will not regret
it.
Louise Hogan, ATM
Area 2 Governor,
Division D, District 11
Greater Greenwood Toastmasters 4081-11
Greenwood, Indiana
Irvington Advanced Toastmasters 199-11
Indianapolis, Indiana
From: Huntsville Alabama HI-NOON club 3963-48
It is amazing how much can be learned in these one-hour
Toastmasters meetings. The program is designed so that every
member has an opportunity to make the most of his or her
abilities. Toastmasters is very constructive and helpful.
Danny Despot
Toastmasters is a thoroughly professional way to overcome the
fear of public speaking. You learn by doing - the practical way
to sharpen your skills. Each week you will learn new techniques:
how to state your goals and purpose; improve voice variety, word
pictures; and persuasion.
Kay Gray
A friend invited me to attend a Toastmasters meeting. I was
so shy I didn't even want to think of facing a crowd. A year
later I broke down and visited a meeting and joined. My
confidence is still growing. I now accept invitations to speak
at civic clubs and other organizations.
Jim Coleman
I am a shy person, but Toastmasters has given me the courage
to stand before my classes with confidence. Normally
soft-spoken, I have learned to project my voice better to make
myself clear in what I want to get across to my students. I am
proud to be associated with Toastmasters.
Patricia McDonald
Traveling and working abroad have taught me the importance of
learning the bases of other languages. Toastmasters provides me
a friendly forum for continuing to work on communications skills.
Bill Holman
My first interview on television was so frightening that I
decided then and there to get help from Toastmasters. Soon, I
learned to "think on my feet" and respond more sensibly to TV
interview questions, some of which I considered hostile. I
highly recommend Toastmasters.
Dendy Rousseau
I am amazed at how the Toastmasters curriculum eases you into
such an enjoyable learning experience. Not only do you learn to
speak before a crowd, but the training also helps you interact
with others on a one-on-one basis. I highly recommend
Toastmasters.
Phillip Cagle
I like the way Toastmasters support each other. Our
one-hour, once-a-week meetings are packed with training for every
member present. Also, with the yearly cost averaging less than a
dollar a meeting, Toastmasters is an excellent investment.
Janice Carruthers
In my duties at NASA I never had to stand and give oral
reports to more than six people at a time. Following retirement
I joined Toastmasters, hoping to build confidence in speaking
before larger audiences. Believe me, it works! Toastmasters is
truly a wonderful program.
E. L. (Stretch) Scheider
Following an interview with NASA to become a mission
specialist, I was eighth in line for acceptance, but was told
that I needed to overcome shyness and express myself better.
Someone recommended Toastmasters. Already, my speaking ability
and confidence level have increased tremendously.
Sam Lowry
Toastmasters has given me the confidence necessary to conduct
meeting and speak before groups. There were times when I was
petrified with fear, but the Toastmasters training methods have
been a big help. It is really a wonderful learning experience.
Rose Ferrell
As an engineer at NASA for 27 years, I dreaded attending
meetings. When someone asked me to comment, I would choke up
with fear. In desperation I went to Toastmasters for help in
overcoming shyness. It worked wonders for me. I now value my
Toastmasters certificate as almost equal to my Georgia Tech
degree.
Ray Ritch
From: squid@voyager.newcomm.net
Before I joined Memorial Toastmasters 3237-U in January 1995, I had little
desire to speak before any audience. People always say your greatest
fears will debilitate you, rather than help you. This is true. My
intense fear of public speaking prevented me from participating in
necessary activities, it debilitated my performance as an undergraduate
student and it prevented me from obtaining challenging, successful
employment. However, since last year, I have completed nine assignments
in the CTM program, I completed a speaking engagement (presentation)
outside of Toastmasters and I have arranged three speech contests and
organized special events as the Vice-President Education of Memorial
Toastmasters. Later this year, I will coordinate the Leadership
Workshop-Part I: Skills of Effective Leaders. I am eagerly looking
forward to it.
My experience as a member and club officer has helped me tremendously. My
self- confidence has soared. My former long-time fear of public speaking
has transformed into a motivating lifeline. Public speaking is now a
general part of my everyday activities. I will be participating for the
first time in a speech contest on March 27, 1996 in the Humorous speech
contest. This is something I thought I would never be able to do;
participate before 20-30 people and deliver a humorous speech. As a
result of my Toastmasters experience, I realized my abilities are endless.
I now realize I am a successful leader, motivator, communicator, planner,
coordinator and the most important of all, a worthwhile, capable human
person. Remember: The greatest successes in life arise from accomplishing
the things people said you could never do.
Jennifer Squires, CTM
Memorial Toastmasters 3237-U
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
From: Dgov45@aol.com
Participating as a club officer in your club makes you feel that you are
instrumental in the success of the club. The well being of the club is
entrusted to you in making sure that the club's membership increases, the
club speech contests are successful and that members receive a quality
experience from Toastmasters membership. When I am not a club officer in
my club, I no longer feel as closely connected to the club and I do not
find my club participation as meaningful.
I experienced explosive growth in Toastmasters when I became Area
Governor. We were a new Area with no Area Council at the time. During
that year we had super attendance at our Humorous and International Speech
Contests (over 50) and I pulled together an Area Council that to this day
no longer has any problems finding volunteers in serving as Area Governor.
When I was Area Governor I was aware of the expectations that others had
for my speaking ability. The very expectation that I needed to be a good
speaker helped me become the speaker that I am today. These things earned
me the Area Governor of the Year Award for District 45 in 1992. My
abilities have improved each year since then as PRO, LGM, LGET and now
this year as District Governor of District 45.
Jim Heeren, ATM (6 weeks from DTM)
Concord Toastmasters, Club 6954
District 45: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and the Canadian Maritime
Provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
From: Lswjr@aol.com
Six years ago (2/90), I joined Toastmasters to help me "come out of
myself" and learn to deal with my fellow human beings in more positive and
constructive ways. Thanks to Toastmasters, my self-esteem has increased,
I've learned to be a better leader through service as a Club officer, Area
Governor, and Division Governor, and I've made more friends than I've ever
imagined I could.
To me, Toastmasters is simply a "lesson in life" that *everyone* should
take advantage of.
Steve Williams, DTM
President
Stone Mountain TM (4144-14)
Atlanta, Georgia USA
From: verna@amug.org
Regarding being a speaker in a speech contest: Speaking in a speech
contest gave me CONFIDENCE in speaking to a large number of people, and
raised my SELF-ESTEEM by the genuine interest of the group in what I had
to say. People even approached me after the speech, offering comments,
encouragement, and approval. Also, by seeing and hearing the competition,
and the absolutely dynamic speakers in Toastmasters, it made me realize
that although I've improved my speaking skills I still have a long way to
go.
Regarding being a club officer: I've held three different officer
positions in Toastmasters: Sergeant Of Arms, VP Education, and President.
Each position taught me a new level of respect for these positions and an
appreciation of their effects to members. (This goes beyond Toastmasters
because when I attend conferences or seminars, I realize and appreciate
the overall efforts) VP of Education helped me in organization skills,
dealing with people, and developing a greater level of patience and
tolerance. The office of president helped build self-esteem, and gave me
new skills such as delegating, coordinating, and organizing. It is a
WONDERFUL feeling to have a group of people support you and look to you
for guidance. A special feeling of RESPECT.
Annette Verna
Tempe Toasts
President
Tempe, Arizona
From: clxlep@tevm2.nsc.com (SL Liew)
I can't exactly explain how I became addicted to Toastmasters. Looking at
my history - going to Yale, workaholic engineer at Intel, I would credit
it to my constant need for "achievements", approval & recognitions
that Toastmasters International so generously offers.
I started slow, beginning in 1988. Within the last 4 years, I have been a
Club President, AG, DVG, LGM and now going for LGET. I stagnated after CTM
and then caught my second wind to whiz through the ATM, DTM and with 1
more to go for the ATMB. As LGM, I am pushing for my District to grow from
85 to 100 Clubs. One of the three clubs that I am sponsoring will be the
first Advanced Club in District 51P (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and
Indonesia). I felt more people needed encouragement to do their ATMs. I
even dug deep into my pocket to setup the first website for Toastmasters
in this region
Being a Toastmaster has helped me ride through the ups and the downs of my
existence more smoothly. The opportunities of learning, friendship and a
sense of worthwhile purpose makes this Toastmasters-addiction-syndrome
self-justifying.
Thank you Dr. Ralph C Smedley and all you Toastmasters out there.
SL Liew, DTM
District 51P, Lt Governor of Marketing
National Semiconductor Penang Toastmasters (655-51P)
Butterworth Toastmasters (4388-51P)
Penang, Malaysia.