Welcome Fellow Toastmasters and Honourable Guests!

Submitted by Fred Berni on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:31.

Phoenix-Toronto Celebrates It's 30th Anniversary!

Distinguished Toastmaster

In celebration of Phoenix- Toronto Toastmaster's 30th Anniversary,

  a special anniversary meeting was held April 6, 2010 

Photo Album

   and 30th year end celebration party was held June 8, 2010

 Photo Album

 

Our members are friendly and supportive. Please feel free to give us a call or an email if you have any questions. You can also click here for Where We Meet and Directions to our meeting location. Guests are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!

Baby Phoenix Toastmaster

 

Great Communicators Are Made, Not Born!

After several years working at a large financial institution, a friend of mine started wondering why he kept getting by-passed when time came for promotions. Yes, he had achieved some success and was manager of his department, but his goal of becoming director and eventually vice president seemed beyond his reach.

 

One Saturday afternoon during a round of golf, I asked him why he was being by-passed. He told me, "You know, it seems that all the people that are getting promoted are naturally good communicators. They can think on their feet and know exactly what to say and when to say it.

This story may sound familiar. The fact is, good communicators are not simply born. They've worked on their skills over the years. Many of them have been successful because of the skills they've picked up while attending Toastmasters meetings.

The Secret to Becoming a Great Communicator

Let's face it, to become successful at anything, you need to practice, practice, practice. Becoming a great communicator is no different. In the Phoenix-Toronto club, you'll learn effective public speaking skills using the "learn by doing" method. And you'll do it in a friendly, relaxed, informal and fun setting.

For many, one of the most enjoyable and educational parts of our meetings is the opportunity to speak for 2 minutes on a subject. Every week, you'll have the opportunity to make an impromptu speech. It's amazing how quickly you'll become comfortable with impromptu speeches and toasts.

For others, Toastmasters offers a terrific opportunity to improve their leadership skills. At Phoenix Toastmasters, members build their organizational and leadership skills through the formal 'Communication and Leadership Program', by taking on different roles at the meetings and by taking the opportunity to sit on the executive committee.

Here's what Tom Peters, best selling author of "In Search of Excellence" and "The Pursuit of Now" has to say about Toastmasters: "Join Toastmasters. Oral communications skills count. Height and hair color may be in our genes, but public speaking isn't. One good answer to the public speaking problem is Toastmasters. They do a famous job of helping people shape their communication skills."

Here's What You'll Learn

The Toastmasters program can help you:

  • become a great communicator,
  • learn how to "think on your feet" and express yourself without preparation,
  • effectively develop and present ideas,
  • offer constructive criticism,
  • learn how to express yourself clearly and concisely,
  • develop your leadership skills,
  • develop your mentoring skills, and
  • learn to face your fears.

Developing these skills will help you:

  • be a better manager,
  • give better sales presentations,
  • feel more confident,
  • advance and enhance your career,
  • be a better coach

The Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters club would like to help you improve your speaking skills. And do it at your own pace. We're a small, supportive club, so we can easily accommodate your needs.

We're dedicated to helping you learn. And we know we can help you achieve your goals. After all, each of us has goals as well. And we count on each other to help us achieve them.

  For a preview of a Toastmasters meeting, <click_here> to view a 15 minute presentation by Toastmasters International.

How The Club Has Helped Us

Here's what the executive members of our club have to say about themselves, their goals, and how the Phoenix-Toronto Club has helped them achieve those goals.

Where We Meet


  Guests are always welcome to attend!

  • September  7, 2010  Etobicoke City Hall, Council Chambers
  • September  14, 2010  KRT Room, Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto ON M9A 1G9. Click here for Map
  • September  21, 2010  Etobicoke City Hall, Meeting Room # 1&2

Our regular meetings are held year round at 7pm sharp every Tuesday at the Etobicoke City Hall:
399 The West Mall
Etobicoke, ON
M9C 2Y2

Located on the South-East corner of Burnhamthorpe and The West Mall. If you are travelling by highway you can take highway 427 and exit at Burnhamthorpe. Go west along Burnhamthorpe until you reach West Mall. Turn left (south) onto the West Mall. Immediately on your left will be city hall (a.k.a. the Etobicoke Civic Center).

Etobicoke City Hall location

Click here for a larger map

From the parking lot enter city hall through the main entrance. Just inside the main entrance is the security and information desk. Our meeting information is usually posted on a small paper sign near the desk. You can also ask the friendly security staff for assistance.

 

Tips and facts for new Guests

Submitted by Fred Berni on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 15:03.

Tuesday Night: It's Phoenix Time
Guests are always welcome at our club!


Many guests have told us the hardest part was just deciding to come out to visit our club.

  • Relax! We all started out as guests, just like you. We'll do our best to make you feel welcome and part of the group.
  • There's lots of free parking spaces available.
  • Our meetings start at 7:00pm sharp. Guests are expected to show up at least
    fifteen minutes early.     This gives us time to answer your questions and get settled in.

  • Guests are welcome and encouraged to participate in the meeting, but participation is optional. Some
    guests prefer to just observe their first meeting. Others leap right in.

  • Remember our warning about needing a sense of humour! Be prepared to have fun when you get here.
  • Toastmasters is a self help group. "Give a man a fish -- feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime". Our club provides a supportive atmosphere.
  • At toastmasters you learn by doing. One step at a time.
    Fortunately, they are nice
    small baby steps so you won't be throw right to the wolves. :) Unless of course you like wolves, in that case, I guess
    it would be okay to throw you to the wolves. :)

  • Everyone joins Toastmasters at a different skill level.
    Our club is focused on helping you learn and grow at your own pace.

  • Like most things in life, you only get out of Toastmasters what you put into it. Practice makes perfect!
  • As a member of our club you will have many people and resources to guide you on your journey. But it is your journey. It's your life. Take charge!
  • See your fellow members grow as they progress through the program! Get inspired!
  • There's a reason Toastmasters is the #1 organization of its kind in the world: It works! And it can work for you.

So do yourself a favour and just "do it". You are welcome to visit our club as a guest a few times to see if
Toastmasters is right for you. So please drop in, have some fun, and give our club a try! We're ready when you are.

See you Tuesday!

2010 - 2011 Executive


Stephen Tomev - President




Hello and welcome to Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters!

 

I checked out Phoenix Toastmasters in very late 2007 and was hooked after the first meeting.  I had such a positive vibe from club members and a thirst to learn more. I became a member in 2008. 

 

 The positive and supportive nature is inherent in the mission of every Toastmasters Club. Not only will you improve speaking in every day conversation but also in work, social settings and so much more.  It will also bring out some hidden talents in leadership skills and listening skills.

 

All are welcome.  Come out to one of our meetings and I am confident you will return to learn more.  Meet a member to ask questions or someone from the executive.  Personal development is endless and Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters can certainly help.   

Elona Drenova - VP Education




I joined Phoenix Toastmasters Club to become an effective communicator and improve my presentation skills. 

 

The program developed by Toastmasters International has allowed me to learn new techniques in preparing and delivering speeches. Each speech is an opportunity to work on a different aspect of communication and each meeting is an opportunity to learn from fellow Toastmasters. 


The skills demonstrated by the club members is impressive and their support and encouragement is what makes me look forward to the meetings. 




David Breen - VP Membership

 

Anna Carbone - VP Public Relations




As a media sales professional, I am no stranger to speaking in front of large groups, however, I could see the value in learning techniques that would help me deliver speeches with more IMPACT! 

 

I’ve been with the club for a few months now and each week I continue to be inspired by the positive, skilled and supportive fellowship at Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters. 

 

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or accomplished speaker, Toastmasters provides an effective forum for you to develop a variety of communication and leadership skills.  Skills that will make you an effective communicator and will serve you well in both your personal life and career. 

 

The table topics portion of our meetings are both challenging and entertaining.  You will build on your successes, receive constructive feedback and confidence will follow. 

 

Come check us out.  You’ve got it in you to speak!

Marina Papic - Secretary




I work as an Early Childhood Educator, therefore my “audience” falls a little bit short on the receptive side. I love doing speeches and presentations, however, I haven’t had an opportunity in over six years.

 

I joined Toastmasters to gain confidence when speaking in front of an audience. I am extremely pleased with the results and have met many great people during this journey.

 

Public speaking is a process in which even after you have met your initial goals, there are new goals to achieve. I am proud to say that Toastmasters has taught me to be more confident in public speaking and in social environments.

Caterina Stepanis - Treasurer

Toastmasters, offers me an opportunity to develop skills that have and will continue to enhance my life on a personal and professional level.  

On going practice and encouragement in an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere is paramount in developing long term communication and leadership abilities.

Alex Alexandrovski - Sergeant-at-Arms




"I joined Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters to improve my communication skills.  This is very important to me since English is not my native language.

 

Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters provides educational information, a welcoming atmosphere, supportive members, good organization & fun!

 

After several months in Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters, I feel much more comfortable communicating with people.  If you are interested in improving your communication and leadership skills as well as having fun with good friends then Phoenix Toronto Toastmaster is for you!"

Irene Kaye - Past President




In Toastmasters, I experience a supportive and fun opportunity to fulfill both my professional and personal objectives. Yes, it happens by following the Toastmasters' program of practicing speaking, communication and leadership. For me, and most importantly, it also happens through the Toastmasters' network of incredible fellowship.

 

Are you thinking Toastmasters might be for you?  Would you like to check us out? Please come to one of our meetings as our guest. By participating in Toastmasters locally, you link globally to a world-wide organization with a wealth of information and resources designed to support its individual member. Do not hesitate. Discover the enriching new opportunities which await you!