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I called the "0800"
number on my manager's suggestion, and had several clubs to choose from. I
was a bit daunted by the thought of visiting a club, but I needn't have
worried. From the first minute, there was a great warmth at Maungakiekie,
so much so I joined that night. I have never regretted that snap
decision.
Like many, I joined to improve my ability to communicate -
and it has improved greatly. Yet Toastmasters goes much further; in fact
it goes as far as you want it to, and has helped me in ways I would never
have thought possible.
I think of Toastmasters as "serious fun". Yes,
there is a serious side. We're all there to learn from, and help, each
other. However if I've learned anything at all at Maungakiekie, it's that
you won't do your best if you don't enjoy yourself in what you are doing.
That's the fun part - and at Maungakiekie, I think it's what we do
best.
Mike
My Toastmasters experience so
far.
I joined Toastmasters as a way of improving my presentation
and communication skills, particularly in the work setting. I
initially joined a club in Hamilton when I worked there for six
months. It was such a supportive and friendly club, I thought I
would never find another club like that again when I came back from
working overseas.
When I came back and moved to Auckland, I met a
colleague at work who belonged to a Toastmasters club,
(Maungakiekie), I was keen to join her at a meeting. Again the
warmth and support from the Toastmasters members from day one
encouraged me to join.
Two years later I can see my own self
improvement in speaking before an audience. What I didn't realise
when joining the club was that I would learn other important skills,
like evaluating speeches, listening skills and how to run a meeting
- all important skills for work and for myself personally.
Lastly the entertainment and laughter factor at Toastmasters
meetings is enormous and I would recommend Toastmasters to
anyone.
Jennifer |
I wasn't sure quite what to expect. I
guess I thought the meeting would be quite formal. I didn't expect
the warm welcome, the laughter, the enthusiasm or the overriding
sense of fun!
Guest comments | |
