I joined the Anoka Toastmaster #2748 Club in August of 2010. I was out of work
at the time and I was hoping to use Toastmasters as a networking opportunity
in my search for that next opportunity. Luckily, I was able to find a job soon
after joining Toastmasters but I knew after a very short time in the club that
continuing, as a Toastmaster would prove to be valuable in my new job as well
as my everyday life.
In addition to Toastmasters providing me with the opportunity to refine my
face-to-face communication skills with every Table Topic and prepared speech
I gave but it also greatly improved my listening skills, which are just as
valuable, as any improvement in speaking ability.
Toastmasters also gave me practical and useful experience in running meetings
and team building, which are two more skills that proved to be beneficial in my
everyday life as a project manager. Now that I am retired, I still find my
Toastmaster experience a valuable learning tool.
All in all, my time in Toastmasters has been a rewarding one, which I
recommend to anyone who needs to expand his or her speaking, listening and
leadership skills.