Check out the great stories below that your fellow Toastmasters have shared!

Share your own by sending it to Sherri Raftery! .

Thank you to all who have contributed so far...

Past District Governor, Victor Carbone, DTM

March Submissions

Jim Powers, CTM, CL - President & Founder of D31 IBM Rational Toastmasters Club, Lexington, MA; Member of D45 Winning Speakers of Windham, NH 

I belong to the Winning Speakers of Windham in District 45.  I've been a member for about 5 years now. I earned my CTM there, and because of this great club I have gotten to speak at Rotaries as well as the 2006 annual EPA convention with some fellow members (We were comp'd for our speaking!). The best part of this story comes from the fact that I wanted to bring my love of Toastmasters into my company - IBM.

2 years ago I approached my management about starting a corporate club at my office in Lexington, Massachusetts (falls under district 31).

After explaining what Toastmasters was all about, and what I felt it could do for our employees there, my management agreed and funded the $125 charter fee.

After about 6 months I had enough members to charter, so the club indeed chartered in July of 2006. (The IBM Rational Toastmasters, Club#877590).

The club has been going well, but membership fluctuated around 20 members. I knew that we could even do better if the employees felt their leadership team was behind them. A month ago I asked to meet with the senior leadership team in my division.  I spoke of the membership cost, and the work and dedication it takes to attain a Competent Communicator certificate. I also spoke of the benefits that each team member would get in joining and partaking in the club. Every day our staff interacts with vendors, management, and customers. Strong communication skills are a powerful way to exude confidence and competence. One of the benefits I was not expecting was that the club seemed to bring the employees closer to each other. They learned more about each other through their speeches and the camaraderie that comes from being a Toastmaster.

I told this story to the leadership team. Much to my happiness, the IBM Rational leadership team fully supported me. They offered to reimburse every employee for their membership cost after attending 80% of the meetings in their membership year. Much to my joy, my leadership team also agreed to award each member $2,500 for attaining their CC! That's a lot of money, but it's even more impressive when one takes into account  that there are 500+ employees at the Lexington campus! This could potentially be a $1.25m dollar expense for my division!

A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to an assembly of employees to let them know about these new membership perks. I stated to the employees, "Your leadership team knows the value of leadership and communication. They would like you to take advantage of Toastmasters and are putting their money where your mouth is!

Membership has been growing since that meeting. Stay tuned; in 2010 IBM is consolidating 9 New- England locations to one large campus in Littleton, Massachusetts. The campus will hold 3,400 IBMers. Just imagine the Toastmasters club we will have then!!!
 
February Submissions

Cliff Lander, ATM-S - "Becoming a Toastmaster" , President of Ocean State Toastmasters

Being in the jewelry business for so many years I never had a problem speaking to one or two customers at a time. However, on several occasions I was required to address a group and I became numb. I knew my material cold, but the cold went to my feet. One of my closest friends, a cousin who was ten years older than me said I should look up toastmasters. "It will help you overcome your fear of public speaking" Phyllis told me. I said, "No, I'm too old for that." I won't repeat what she answered but a year later I joined Toastmasters. After my first three speeches I was presented with an opportunity to speak to over 100 people.....I delivered a eulogy at my cousin's funeral. Each time I speak I remember my dear cousin.

January Submissions

Ann Nahabedian -  “My Toastmaster Experience”, Talk of the Town Toastmasters

When I moved to NC from MA in the mid-80's, one of my teaching colleagues wanted to join Toastmaster in Chapel Hill and asked me to go with her. That club met on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. "No way," I told her would I join any club that met at that ungodly hour on a Saturday no less.

Several years later, I left elementary teaching and was working with adults presenting business workshops before teaching community college. I felt I needed an adult audience to test the waters if I could teach adults. Toastmasters was the best way. I joined a club in Raleigh after doing some telephone inquiries of various clubs. The club I chose ironically met on Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. I drove 45 minutes to get there but the coffee was on at 6:45 sharp. People had to go on to their offices and places of business close to 8:10. Things moved briskly at that club.

Capital City Toastmasters was the best thing that happened to me. I loved the people, so friendly, so supportive and great fun. I learned to communicate better and had an added benefit I never dreamed --the friends I made and the socializing we did.

Later I joined 2 other NC clubs...one of which was the Chapel Hill Club. It was worth getting up early on a Saturday morning. That club soared to heights and I learned so much there.

The last club I joined was in my home city. Durham. They met in the function room of a small restaurant/deli on the next street from my home. They were great people, too. They wooed me for 2 years to join and I finally agreed. Just had a ball being involved in Toastmasters in NC.

December Submissions

David Cohen -  “YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT”President of Back Talk Club – Peabody, MA  

“You Don’t Have To Be Perfect” – Although I had never heard of Toastmasters before as a Diamond Consult I wanted to improve my confidence and salesmanship, in October 1999 I was invited to a local Toastmasters club. 

 I thought it was organization composed of professional speakers, doctors and lawyers but I was pleasantly surprised how much I fit in with people just like me up-beat, and out-going and a burning desire to improve the quality of their lives.  

I was invited as a guest to a local Toastmaster Club in October 1999.  I had never heard of this organization and thought it would be composed of professional speakers, doctors and lawyers. I was a diamond consultant and wanted to improve my confidence and salesmanship. Would I fit? Surprise! I found people just like me – up-beat, and out-going with a burning desire to improve the quality of their lives. – I belonged. 

I either volunteered or was volunteered to be the Sergeant-At-Arms, maintained all the literature and read everything about Toastmasters.  After a few meetings when I became more knowledgeable about the educational program I made and wrote down several goals; 1) Do not procrastinate 2) Do not use notes. 3) Speak whenever I had the opportunity. 4) Actively pursuer the educational program 5) Become – someday a DTM 6) Give back what I have learned. I still procrastinate, a little, will be a DTM in the Spring and continue to receive the rewards of giving back what I have learned.  

There have been several turning points in my Toastmasters career and I remember them as if they happened yesterday. 1) A member for two months, I assisted Past District Governor Victor Carbone and Frank Pellitier conduct a Youth Leadership Program.  This event showed me, without a doubt that the Toastmaster experience really works. 2) As the District Public Relations Officer, I had the honor of interviewing our District 31 2001 World Champion of Public Darren LaCroix on his winning speech “OUCH”, imagine how proud I was?  3) A former District Governor I was scheduled to give an important speech at my at my club about the Club Success Plan – and he was unable to attend – I decided to take a chance and use all of my Toastmasters skills and present the speech myself – I pulled it off, gained invaluable confidence and never looked back! My biggest accomplishment is a personal matter that I am now ready to share. 

Four years ago I had my own cable TV Show – “Well Spoken” I invited various guests and the subject matter was tips on how to improve your communication and leadership skills.  At the time I was diagnosed with a disease usually reserved for children – I had Tourettes Syndrome.  When I saw the results of this unwanted disease magnify on my TV Show and in my speeches, I was horrified and embarrassed but with medication I have been able to defeat this neurological disease. Today I have a renewed enthusiasm and thank my family and close Toastmaster friends for their support. My final message is that – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE A TOASTMASTER

November Submissions

I joined toastmasters after applying for a job as a public speaker. Speaking on behalf of the Renal Support Network, a patient based kidney organization was a dream of mine.

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George Manoogian AKA "Mr. Nice Guy"
Div. F Gov., Club Coach's Coach
Gateway Gabbers, VP of Education
 First Class Speakers, Sgt. at Arms
Tri County Talkers - mentor

My journey through Toastmasters started when a friend invited me to a meeting in May of 1983. Not knowing a thing about Toastmasters I went with a sharp eye as, 'what's in it for me'.  I saw that I can be a better leader with Toastmasters that can help me on the outside.

Officership within the club proved to be a blessing as I learned how to be a treasurer, Secretary and president all for only $24 a year in dues and twice a year at that!

Then I started helping with the TLI's and Conferences and that's where my journey took me to unknown but wonderful places. Now after 24 years  helping 3 prison clubs and seeing the tremendous changes with the men, Toastmasters helps keep men in check of their anger and giving them skills not available in the prison system, I am willing to take the time to make their lives better.

So after helping so many I was blessed with the title of, "Mr. Nice Guy"

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October Submissions

Totally Toastmasters -- My story
by Denise Varano

Though Toastmasters is officially for everyone 18 years and older, I started unofficially when I was about six years old. My dad would have "travel tabletopics" as I and my brother and two sisters drove eight hours to my grandma's. It was a great way to keep us occupied.

From that young start -- and having a good reading voice -- I was drafted to be a lector at church starting in sixth through eighth grade. Now older, my family has adopted me as the eulogy giver (which is o.k. . . .) Anyway, I've developed a love for the spoken word. I can never remember being frightened by having to speak, for the most part.

I did my Icebreaker at the Sales and Marketing Toastmasters Club, a club with great intensity and focus. A job as spokesperson took me away from Toastmasters for a while, then a club opened at work. Now I'm a member of First Class Speakers and am one speech away from getting my CTM. Even though I enjoy speaking, it has been a long process for me to go through the manual. In addition, I was President for one year and throroughly enjoyed that.

So, beyond early speaking experiences, I also have a history to fall back on in Toastmasters. My dad was a president. My aunt was a president and one of the first woman Toastmasters in the organization (Lorraine Johnson, Oak Park, IL). A brother and sister belonged to Toastmasters. Certainly, Toastmasters has been a part of the family.

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September Submissions

"MY TOASTMASTER STORY"  (download the story: here )
BY GAYLE GOLDEN, PRESIDENT OF EARLY RISERS TOASTMASTERS

I can still picture the sultry evening in June of 1991. It was in the non air conditioned Worcester Auditorium at my son’s high school graduation. It was toward the end of the ceremony. I was sitting on the stage with the principal; and vice principal, mayor of Worcester, school committee member and 350 graduates with diplomas in hand, eager to begin their celebrations.

I rose to the lectern, the last speaker of the evening, shaking as I clutched my carefully worded brief comments as the community representative and chair of the parent’s teacher’s organization. My worst nightmare had come true. Despite all my protestations to the contrary, I was forced into public speaking by the principal!

For the next 5-10 minutes I read my speech to a restless audience of over 1500 people. At the end of the ceremony one of the parents of a graduating student said, "As one of the 10 people who listened to you I congratulate you on your comments". That did it! It was time for me to do something to overcome my fear of public speaking. As a social worker I had been frequently asked to guest speak for a number of community organizations. I always carefully recommended other people who would be more “suited” for their group, avoiding my acceptance of these invitations.

Determined to face my fears, I gingerly approached my first meeting at Early Risers at Hanover. Instead of embarrassment and anxiety, I found a warm, intelligent and supportive environment where members accepted me on my own terms. Not only did they teach me a lot about speaking and help me conquer my fears, but they also made it a lot of fun in the process.

As I progressed to get my CTM, I saw myself gaining in confidence and relying less on written notes. I participated 3 times in international speech contests, progressing from 3^rd place in my club to first place in my area to second place in district E.

A job opportunity at the social service department at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston led to my taking a hiatus from my group because of my long commute, but my toastmaster skills traveled with me. Whenever there were opportunities to speak I volunteered. My willingness to speak was seen as a real asset for my department. It led to my doing orientation training for residents and lecturing Harvard Medical Students about the impact of sensory loss on patients and families.

A few years ago I gave a key note address about the journey of chronic illness to an international uveitis conference at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. I traveled a long distance from the shaky woman in 1991.

My recent retirement brought me back to early risers. When asked to serve as president, I had to say yes. It is my way of giving back to toastmasters all it has given me. As each new member enters our meeting, I try to remember how frightened I was many years ago. I try to help them cross the threshold to discovering their unique gifts as speakers and leaders.

Thank you Toastmasters for all you have given me.

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Jacki Rose

Toastmasters has been an incredible experience for me! When I first joined I
was out of work, didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, and was
afraid of public speaking. Today, I am a professional speaker and
presentation skills trainer and coach. I published 2 books "Take Your Life
and Love It!", and "11 Steps To Powerful Public Speaking". http://www.jackirose.com/

Toastmasters gave me the confidence, motivation, and education to discover
and pursue my passion of becoming a professional speaker. I used all the
tools Toastmasters has to offer to gain the skills I needed for this career
path: I spoke at the conferences and TLIs. I visited other clubs and gave
presentations as a guest speaker. I conducted speechcrafts for outside
corporations. I entered speech contests and even made it to the District
level placing 3rd. I took on officer roles that I never thought in a
million years I would do (VP Membership, VP Education, President). Not only
did I not think I was good enough, but I ended up getting awards and
standing ovations for these roles. Did I mention I am a DTM, past president
of Renaissance Advanced Toastmasters, and a former Area Governor? I also
helped a couple of corporate clubs (Lifeline and Staples) get started and
was their mentor.

As a public speaking skills coach, I send all of my coaching clients to
Toastmasters. It's something I believe everyone should belong to, whether
they feel they need to improve their public speaking or not.

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To Evaluate or Not to Evaluate

by Robert Miller

Several years I had attend a college graduations event my wife to see our stepdaughter receive her diploma.We heard the keynote speaker give her speech to the audience. After the speech my wife asked me for my evaluation of the Speaker and I managed to give an unfavoralble review of the speech. The Keynote Speaker

was standing behind me and overheard my review. OOps !

I was embrassed for unkind words I said about the woman's speech. Five minutes later, the guest speaker asked me where I learned to evaluate a speech. I told the woman I am a member of Toastmasters International. Aha, she said. So thats how you were able to evaluate

my speech. Thats right I said. I recommended she join a Toastmasters club in her hometown and I gave her the website address. Gee,I hope she found a Toastmasters club to join where she can improve her communication skills and learn to evaluate.

Love & Peace,
Capt. Bobb M.

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Esther Paris

What I was like:

I was studying to become a sign language interpreter. A priest friend of mine was thrilled to learn I was studying to interpret. He asked if I would interpret Mass. I balked. How could I do that? My skills are no where near adequate. He said he'd give me the prayers, reading, and homily in advance, so I could research and practice. I was game. I figured it would be a great way to meet future clients, good experience, good networking. I remember very clearly getting on that altar for the first time to interpret. I thought I might lose my breakfast, faint, or just die. And I didn't know which would be the best choice!

What happened:

A friend at work told me about Toastmasters. I joined a company club, survived my Icebreaker speech, worked steadily to reach my Competent Toastmaster (CTM) award, and even started working on Advanced Manuals at that company club.

Then I went on Leave of Absence from my Company when my first child was born.

I missed Toastmasters so much that I started a new club! (That's the short story of the start of the Saturday Brunch Bunch club.)

What I'm like now:

With the nascency of the SBB club, a stint as Area Governor, a CTM accomplished, several Advanced Manuals accomplished, I was very close to achieving DTM. I coordinated a SpeechCraft and a Youth Leadership, gave speeches before non-Toastmasters groups, and achieved my DTM. (This was years ago. Older rules about DTM.)

Nowadays I'm pretty confident in my speaking ability. I can address crowds of hundreds with tamed butterflies in my stomach. I even competed at the District level competition for the International Speech Contest. That was something I never even DREAMED of doing when I thought I'd faint on the altar at that first Mass I tried to interpret!

I'm a DTM, an Area Governor for the second time, a club officer, an Immediate Past Club President, and involved in Toastmasters as much as my schedule and stamina will permit.

I love Toastmasters. It has given me a set of skills I didn't even know I needed! Every meeting, every service opportunity, every event I learn something new and meet new people. I love Toastmasters.

Esther Paris, DTM - Area G2 Governor, 2007-08

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