Toastmasters International, an organization that EMPOWERS individuals to become better communicators and leaders, is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person.
In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. Through this regular practice, members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals.
Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.
I joined Toastmasters to speak eloquently. In other words, it wasn't for poetic reasons, but I joined Toastmasters for practical reasons. Many times in my life, in the past, I felt emotions blocking intentions. There have been professional and casual settings where I could have expressed myself better. Unfortunately, till now, I opted to shut down instead of resolving the problems since I thought that was the best alternative. Recently, with much retrospection, I concluded that my strategy might not be the best alternative. Yes, I want to speak out. But the question was how. I know the journey is not going to be easy since we all tend to go back to the ways we were. Gradually and carefully, I decided to take a step-by-step approach by joining the Toastmasters. The path to better communication might be a long and tedious one. However, compared to the last time I joined back in 2017, I became aware of one more fact about me. I am ready to take this long journey.
I have joined Toastmaster in 2016. Since then, I completed CC, CL, ACB, ALB, ACS, ALS, ACG, DTM, TC5.
When I comes to Leadership, I have been in club leadership in various roles:
Club President
Club VPE
Club VPPR
Club Tresurer
When I comes to District Leadership:
Club Coach
Area Director
Division Director.
These opportunities helped me to grow both personally and professionally which made me to stay active member in Toastmasters International.
As a teacher, it seemed like the logical thing to do to join Toastmasters on October 1st, 2012. I want to communicate clearly and inspire my students.
I also feel that I have stories to tell.
Twelve years, 450 speeches/training sessions and 13 paths later, I have co-founded 5 TM clubs: 3 in South Korea, one in China snd one in Canada and one Gavel Club.
Why do I continue my membership? Simply, I want to pay it forward.
I joined Toastmasters to further improve my public speaking skills and mentor others. I have learned a lot and have improved on my interviewing skills as well as my networking skills. I feel more confident when going to networking events. I have improved on my organization of speeches and my delivery of speeches. My Toastmasters journey has made a significant and positive impact on my career. I continue to renew my membership so that I can finish my pathway and teach others!
I was referred to Toastmasters by a collegue, as I managed meetings and he noticed my not so inept speaking skills. I stay because of the community, the growth, since I joined Toastmasters, in my professional life has been a large contributor.
I joined Toastmasters to improve my communication and presentation skills but I stayed as a Toastmaster because of the friendship, networking, and mentoring.
In Toastmasters, we are not just an organization devoted to developing public speaking skills. We actually touch people's lives.
Last week, I recruited a new Toastmaster and in her Ice Breaker speech she said that every year I had greeted her Happy Birthday and occasionally sent her invitations to join my club. According to her, birthday after birthday, I had remembered her. That's why she joined the club. During that first meeting of hers with the club, I asked everyone present to raise their hand if they joined because I had remembered to greet them on their birthdays before they joined. And to everyone's surprise, everyone raised their hand. Most of my recruits - and I do recruit a lot every year - joined because I had greeted them on Facebook long before they joined. We touch people's lives.
A few months ago, I had the privilege of coaching a number of speakers from different clubs during contest season. All those I personally coached won 1st place or 2nd place in the Area Level contests. Many won 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the Division Level contests. When a Toastmaster wins in a contest, that person feels that his or her training as a speaker is validated in a "bull ring" against equally tough competitors. The win becomes etched in that member's heart as something to remember in his or her Toastmaster's journey. We touch people's lives.
During this term, I've coached two people in the homestretch of their Toastmaster's journey, to achieve the highly coveted norm of Distinguished Toastmaster. Seeing them in pictures with their DTM plaques and the happiness in their faces is a priceless experience. We touch people's lives.
In one of the District Leaders training sessions, a Past District Governor mentioned that Toastmasters is an educational organization. But is it just that? We seem to make a difference in the lives of others - whether at work, at home, at events. The things we do create a ripple that inspires others to reach for their dreams, using what they learned in Toastmasters as a framework for moving forward. No, Mr. Past District Governor, we aren't just an educational organization. We plant the seeds that transform lives. We touch lives.
In Toastmasters, we are given the chance to make a difference in ourselves and in the lives of others. Seeds turn into trees and trees start bearing fruit. There are some things that you can't just put a price tag on. We touch lives. Because we are Toastmasters.
I joined Toastmasters in 1987 because I was facinated at the format where people from all walks of life can share their passion and inform others of what their life experiences have taught them. In addition I can hear and learn from so many others who share the experiences I will never have the opportunity to experience.
In my 37 years with Toastmasters I have achieved two DTM awards served as an Area Director 5 times, and Division Director once where I was awarded a President's Distinguished Division. In addition I have made countless number of friends. I stay with Toastmasters because it invigorates my sensabilities and gives me a platform to express my core beliefs and perceptions about what I hold close to my heart. It has helped me to bring my messages to other venues in my church committees and political committees.
Good evening, I joined Toastmasters for the simple reason, this is what I wanted. I was always drawn to the organization but did not know how to go about registering or visiting a local club. Prior to joining Fullerton Free. I had left several messages on other TM clubs. No call back. I visited Fullerton Free. And, they welcomed me with open arms. I felt comfortable and the members were approachable. I believe the first few minutes of any interaction can make or break a potential member. Like in any organization, you get out what you put in. If you want to just hang out fir that hour and not participate, that may suit you and that’s fine. However, if you want to better yourself in terms of building self confidence and the ability to perfect you speech/presentation game, do to speak. Then, you will put forth whatever it takes! I have yet to shy away from a friendly conversation or sharing words of knowledge to a group. I completed my ice breaker within the same month I joined. I love my club and club members. I visualize being a member and having leadership roles as long as I am needed to participate in a local or national role. I believe in Toastmasters and they believe in me. In todays world, one always has to have their vibes raised and if I can raise someone’s vibes for just a minutes or from a joke or embarrassing moment I personally encountered and willing to share, I will. Contributing to humanity is a must and I am all about contributing !! thank you Angel for this opportunity to share my thoughts.
have a great and productive day!!!
regards,
Michael
I join Toastmasters on March 1, 1987 to improve being an effective communicator. Back then, little did I know that experiencing the Toastmasters leadership journey is where I gained the most. In the 1980's there was more focus on communication then leadership. Members who saw something in me encouraged and motivated me to serve our members and to become a servant leader. From working a team of leaders to start a new District, serving a number of times as a club officer, Area Governor, Division Director and leading a new District to achieve President's Distinguished as District Governor motivate me to continue serving to be elected to the Toastmasters International Board of Director was really not volunteering but become the best education I could find. Past leaders are thrilled to be asked to provide years of experience and wisdom.
I joined toastmasters to gain confidence in my public speaking and presentation skills. I recently joined toastmasters and have given 2 speeches so far, my club is amazing and supportive. We all help each other learn and grow.
I joined to gain leadership skills and I like the positive atmosphere there and ability to improve myself
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Hello,
I renewed with Toastmasters because I see the value in it for my personal and professional life. I see the opportunity for me to deliver precise talks and I've learned how to get to the point without all the fluff words. And my group is the best support system every! I feel safe, I feel supported, I feel acknowledged and I work to give back the same. I am taking on the PR role for my group this year and I'm looking forward to learning new things, and challenging myself in this safe space.