New Toastmasters' Comments 

Maureen Bowen, Bandon Toastmasters

"Four months ago, I joined Toastmasters, after almost a year of scraping together enough courage to do so. And now, the change in my life is nothing short of miraculous. Life has become so much more - more to experience, more to live for, more fun. My personal and career goals have shifted, too"

"Because my fellow members have been so supportive, I managed to overcome my shyness, speak before audiences and discover my potential as a leader".

This was me for several years as a very active community worker.

I am the mother of six children and at one stage each went to a different school. This meant that I was on the Parents' Council of six different schools. I was also involved in other local groups. I always felt it my obligation to be with the parents of the various schools and would bake, clean, drive, collect money, put up posters, take them down again, write letters, open up, lock up and shut up. In fact I know I was both good and reliable at these tasks and to a certain extent enjoyed doing them.

But I had no say, none whatsoever and this was my own fault because I never felt able to say what I felt should be done in any given situation and because of my silence, it was assumed I had no views. I often returned from meetings very disgruntled and annoyed. I was on the point of giving up these activities when I saw my name mentioned on a poster, as a Committee Member with whom contact should be made and this was about something with I was not entirely happy. I think I saw "red" that day and there and then decided I would take the necessary steps in order to have my say.

I joined Toastmasters three years ago and only knew one or two people there. I was very warmly welcomed and told there was no hurry with my Icebreaker; I could do it at my own time. This took one year and eventually it dawned on me that if I did not "speak now I should for ever hold my silence". I took the plunge and as everybody remained in their seats and did not leave the hall, which is what I expected, I knew I was on my way. I received the greatest of encouragement from the members and I like to feel they have become my friends now. I have learned so much about speaking and listening, about preparation, researching and timing and above all I have learned about myself.

We also have good fun. I would certainly recommend Toastmasters to anybody who may be thinking of joining and as the ad. on T.V. says "Try it, you'll be glad you did".