Why Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is like a life line to me. I joined Toastmasters in 1993 to overcome my shyness. I blushed when talking to people and when stuck in a conversation. Sounds like lack of confidence, I guess. It got uncomfortable and I just don't like the feeling. How do I overcome that? Read? Yes, reading helps. I had all the knowledge of how to influence people and develop confidence; but without practical experience, it is just knowledge.

Knowledge is not power, action is power!

In the beginning I had difficulty writing a speech. With Toastmasters, I have a well structured manual to guide me. The meeting provides the platform for experiential learning. There were mentors and evaluators to walk through the experience in presenting it to an audience who is so supportive and yet professional. I get immediate evaluation of how I deliver my speech and suggestions on how I can be even better!

In Toastmasters meeting, we learn to structure a speech, deliver it; Deliver it with expression; express it with emotions and present it with passion! More than just a presentation, you learn leadership skills, mentoring, persuasion, negotiation, listening skills and many more. It does not matter where you are now. Know where you are and where you want to go. Success begins with a small step forward. Take that one step forward now! Do it now, experience it and live it!

For just 3 hours out of 720 hours a month, you get to meet new friends, listen to other people' experiences, speak in front of an audience, networking, develop listening skills and choose what you want to focus. Is this worth the effort? You decide.

It is not the conditions of your life that determines your destiny; it is the decision you make that determines your destiny, by Anthony Robbins. Decide wisely.

Allow me to share my personal experiences with you. From a working person to a business woman to a mother and to an insurance agent and now I am a Professional and Personal Coach. Toastmasters' activities have been my life line of confidence and connection throughout my different stages of my life and it has served me very well. Each time I go through a transition from one stage of my life to another, it continues to connect me to society, and friends from all walks of life. It is a platform where my circle of friends enlarges; I am updated on what is happening around me even with the speed of change.

It was the decision I made back in 1993 that serves me well. I maintain my confidence, draw it out and move it to the next level whenever I want it, wherever it is needed. It is what I have been looking for, consistently maintaining and developing my confidence. I am sure it is for you too, I urge you to do it now! Join a Toastmasters Club! Visit www.raintreetoastmasters.org or www.toastmasters.org . Toastmasters movement is very well structured and yet flexible for anyone to fit into their schedule. Being a member is very affordable. As the Vice President for Public Relation for Raintree Toastmasters Club, I welcome any of your enquiries, email dolly@mindset-coaching.com