Toastmasters: What’s the Inside Story? District

Better Communicator  I felt I severely lacked listening skills in my management duties.  Communication the key: Joining Toastmasters and "working" the program not only taught me to be a better listener but also a much better communicator.  I decided that I didn't need Toastmasters, I had all the answers. If I would have stayed with Toastmasters back in 1980, there is no way I could imagine what direction my business career could have taken me. “ With my Toastmasters family, I have been able to soar to new heights.” Chuck Mencke, DTM Out on the Town Toastmasters Fort Worth, Texas

Training  Because of the training I've received in TM, I offered to assist with marketing and website updates.  Training really is the key.  Toastmasters gives us excellent training for leadership in outside community organizations. “Toastmasters really is ‘Where leaders are made.’ ” Sara Boepple, DTM Speakers Exchange Fort Worth, Texas

Better Listener  I purposefully put myself in situations where conversations are taking place where I am not the person sharing the information.  Better Communicator: Being a good listener is a key component for being a better communicator.  You have the opportunity to persuade members to pursue leadership for themselves if you are an effective leader. “Toastmasters is a ‘force’ in my life.” Karen Hagar, DTM Fighter Enterprise Fort Worth, Texas

Courage  Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, uncertainty, or intimidation.  Speaking up: Being a member of Toastmasters has given me courage. My department was planning to attend an important board meeting at work. As they were discussing what they wanted to say during the public comments, I thought to myself “You have been in Toastmasters for over 2 years. You should stand up to give comment as well.”  This was definitely a stretch for me; but I did it. “I can say that the experience of being a Toastmaster gave me courage and support when I needed it.” Sheila Richards, CC/ALB Top Notch Toastmasters Fort Worth, Texas

Confidence in Speaking  Enhanced my communication skills so that I was able to deliver a eulogy in front of 200 people.  Enjoy motivating others to excel. At work when I have to evaluate someone, I use the positive, improvements, positive approach.  People want to know they are valued, it helps increase their self-worth. “Great organization, wish I had joined after graduating from college.” Cindy Jones, DTM Lakeside Toastmasters Lewisville, Texas

Better Late Than Never  The positive feedback, encouragement, support and friendships that you gain through Toastmasters are truly amazing.  Outgoing: I am volunteering for more things inside and outside of Toastmasters.  I wish I had listened to others when they told me to join Toastmasters years ago.  “I truly did not know what I was missing out on.” Kathy Bergs, CC/CL Bethesda Toastmasters Fort Worth, Texas

Aim High  As a Toastmaster I have improved my communication skills by learn, do, and review!  Stepping up: The High Performance Leadership projects I have done have been very instructive in helping me.  I appreciate the organization for the benefit it provides to our society. “Toastmasters has provided a common thread in my life beyond what I already had.” Larry Vance, DTM Centex Clearly Speaking Waco, Texas

 Before I joined Toastmasters, I was so shy; I didn't know how to meet people and make friends. Then I found Toastmasters!  Growth in Leadership: Toastmasters has done a great deal for me. In my experience, the leadership track has given me the most growth.  Toastmasters is the most supportive and friendly environment I have ever encountered. “Without Toastmasters I would not be who I am today.” Shy No More! Jennifer Sands, ACB/ALB Denton Toastmasters Denton, Texas

Seeing Is Believing  Participating in this organization helped me see that every member has the potential to lead and that I should step up and out into leadership.  Better Speaker: I am able to think and speak more clearly because of training from Toastmasters. “ I joined my first Toastmasters club at a demo meeting held at my work. I did that because I had heard and seen such improvement in my sister who is a Toastmaster.” Amelinda Salas, DTM Denton Toastmasters Denton, Texas

Being Thankful  I originally joined Toastmasters so that I could learn how to be a Mistress of Ceremonies. After being in Toastmasters for the last two years, I felt confident that I could perform this task.  Fearless: I have become a better leader because I no longer fear any type of evaluation in reference to work or any project that I am involved in.  I am thankful for the opportunity to be a Toastmaster. “ I wish I had taken advantage of all that Toastmasters had to offer me 20 years ago.” Rachele Williams, ACB/ALB Tarrant County Toastmasters Fort Worth, Texas

Transformation  It's one thing to talk about the light from within and how we become the speakers and leaders we want to be.  Oneness: The skills that we take away as Toastmasters we begin to feel strength, vibrant and a new life.  There's confidence, bonding, and completeness all bundled together. “We as Toastmasters become more skilled in reaching out and touching others, to the point where we can't help but add a special air of excitement wherever we go.” Bonnie Crawford, DTM Fort Worth Project Management Fort Worth, Texas Sabre Classic Southlake, Texas

Weight Loss  Speeches I heard other Toastmasters deliver regarding their quest for physical fitness helped me lose weight.  Valuable Information: Toastmasters provides not only the chance to improve one’s own speaking skills, but also the opportunity to learn valuable, practical information. Things like confidence, setting goals, being motivated, measuring progress, persevering. “Whatever your goal is, communication or leadership, being involved in Toastmasters can help.” Gary Samuelson, DTM Las Colinas Communicators Irving, Texas