"I was an incredibly shy person. So much so that even asking for a "double-double" at Tim Horton's was really tough for me. Because of my upbringing, I never learned how to be assertive, express my thoughts and opinions, and communicate clearly and with confidence - whether it was in front of one person... or a room full of people!

In fact, I was so terrified, I just didn't go out and talk to people at all.

So, despite how scared I was... I decided to give Toastmasters a try. When I arrived, I was not only greeted warmly, but I got a sense these people really cared about me. They were extremely supportive, encouraging and really stepped it up to help me achieve my goals.

Within the first year, I not only overcame my social anxiety, I had the confidence to speak in front of 450 people. I could express my own opinions. And I gave pleasure and inspiration to hundreds of people by competing in Toastmasters speech contests... something I would never thought was possible in a million years!

To put it simply:

Joining Toastmasters was the single most important and greatest decisions I have ever made in my life. I have benefited tremendously.

Another one of my goals was to learn humour. Because of my background, I couldn't even understand most jokes, let alone give one. If you told me it was possible that *I* would be giving a humorous speech one day, I would have thought you were joking.

But by working through the Toastmaster's program... and with the help of my amazing and supportive club members... I learned, step-by-step, the skills and tools to confidently give humorous stories and satire. If you could believe it, people actually laughed 45 times in a 7 minute presentation!

Because of that training, I've also become quite a naturally funny person in everyday life.

If Toastmasters could do so much for a person like me, I am positive our Toastmaster's club can help you too... to become funnier, to bring pleasure to your friends and coworkers... or to even become a professional speaker.

I encourage you to drop by and join up today!"

"I originally joined Toastmasters as a business decision. I knew that the information and experiences I would gain, would definitely aid in my business career. Successfully reaching and surpassing all of my goals, I left Toastmasters as career, family, and other obligations needed my valuable time. I have now returned to Toastmasters to enjoy and share in many of the opportunities and challenges Toastmasters has to offer. I owe my self-confidence and self-esteem to Toastmasters. That's the beauty of Toastmasters, to set your own goals, to challenge yourself, to help others, and to develop communication skills and enhance leadership abilities."

" Every moment is a clearing moment to become a competent speaker."