toastmasters.
I joined a chapter of Toastmasters International in 2002, after I started working at Navy Federal Credit Union. A friend asked me to join the local company’s club, so I decided to visit and see what they were about. I had always been very anxious about speaking in public or in front of large groups. I wound up giving my (what I later learned was called) Icebreaker speech that day, off the cuff. The encouragement the group gave me made me want to try Toastmasters, to see if I could polish up my skills.
Today, I’ve given lots of speeches, and although I still get nervous whenever I get up to speak, I’ve learned to use that energy to focus on the task at hand. I’m far more confident talking and speaking today than I was then, and Toastmasters has a lot to do with that. If you or someone you know would like to feel more confident in front of a crowd, Toastmasters can definitely help.
If you happen to be anywhere near the Vienna, VA area, you should drop by and visit our club. We’re the Navygators, club 8820 of district 27 of Toastmasters International. We meet every Wednesday from noon to 1pm. Although we’re a
company club, we’re open to the public. If you’re going to visit, let us know by emailing ahead, and we’ll arrange to get you in to the meeting.
- My current Toastmasters awards level:
- Advanced Toastmaster Bronze (ATM-B), Competent Leader (CL).
- Officer positions held:
- President, VP-Education, VP-Public Relations.