Pierre P. - President

"Toastmasters. For me, it means more than public speaking; it is the
personal adventure of a lifetime. What I discovered about myself
was that I can accomplish much more than the expectations I had
when I joined the Toronto-Phoenix Toastmaster Club two years ago.

I learned to face my fears and to go beyond my thoughts and ideas
and make them a reality. The prepared speeches program gave
me the opportunity to experience props, acting, storytelling and
entertainment as powerful tools to communicate with passion,
energy and enthusiasm. As a result, my creativity and determination
to accomplish my personal goals are stronger then ever.

"You have to do it yourself but you can't do it alone" is a saying
that holds a lot of truth. I worked hard to develop my communication and
leadership skills and talents. I owe a lot of my success to my Fellow Toastmasters
who helped me with support and feedback during this amazing journey.

The fun has just begun. I invite you to come and visit us. Who knows, you
may just join us and Catch the Phoenix Spirit!"

Janice B. - VP Of Education

"I joined Toastmasters in February 2003 to improve my public speaking and leadership skills. To my amazement, Toastmasters transformed my life. I realized my fear of public speaking was limiting me in many ways and that I wanted to change this.

The club allowed me to develop and cultivate my public speaking skills. At the same time, It helped me open up and learn from other gifted speakers. I was blessed with the care and support of wonderful mentors who enthusiastically guided my progress.

As my confidence increased, I was able to take on other life challenges.
I am now following a career path that combines my love of public speaking with adult training. I returned to the University of Toronto and received my Certificate in Adult Training and Development from OISE.

It is very exciting to know that there are no limits to what I can achieve professionally or personally. I can now fly as high as I choose. Come down to Phoenix Toastmasters on Tuesday nights to learn how to find your wings!"

Fred B. - VP Of Membership

"I own a business helping franchise companies select the best
franchise candidates. I've been a member of Phoenix-Toronto since November
2003. Although this isn't my first experience with Toastmasters, it is by far
the best club for my needs.

I love the fact that I can get slotted in to do a formal speech every
month in addition to the weekly "Table Topics" sessions which allows
me to practice my impromptu speechmaking. It's really come in handy in my
business.

I decided to join Toastmasters because I found that I was having a
difficult time coping with making formal presentations to groups of 10 or more.
What I have learned since joining Phoenix-Toastmasters is that, for me, the
very best way to prepare, is to not over-prepare. If
you'd like to learn what I mean, join us in a meeting. I'd love to talk to
you."

James B. - VP Public Relations

"I own a business providing computer services. This can range
from sales, to trouble shooting a technical problem over the phone,
or clarifying a web request with a client.
I've been a member of Phoenix-Toronto since December 2003.

I hate doing "sales". My approach has always been rather simplistic.
I listen to your
needs, ask questions to learn more about you and your business, and then suggest
options that make sense. I joined toastmasters because I wanted to be less nervous
when speaking to customers.

Toastmasters has been a great learning experience. Every meeting I get a chance to deliver a short
impromptu "table topics" speech. For two minutes I'm in the spotlight!
Thinking on me feet! Oh the horror!
Fortunately, it gets easier with practice.
Come down on a Tuesday night and ask me how Toastmasters can help get your ideas across clearly and confidently.
"

Lidia S. - Secretary

"Although I have been working in a customer-relations environment
on a daily basis for many years, I noticed that as time went by, I was
becoming more reserved and less communicative. It was particularly
difficult for me to express my opinions in a group setting, which was
NOT very helpful during work meetings!

After listening to two very good friends rave about Toastmasters,
and learning about the various benefits different people have gotten
from it, I finally decided to try it out. I was terrified. But
everyone at Phoenix Toastmasters was friendly and supportive. I
visited a few times and found that I was hooked. I joined in
February of 2003, and have been enjoying myself ever since. We have
fun while learning skills that are incredibly important and useful."

Gino S. - Sergeant-at-Arms

"It is crucial to have the ability to express your thoughts and ideas
in a simple, coherent manner, in front of both individuals and
groups. Although I would never get the shakes and butterflies that
other people get when speaking in front of groups, I found that my
mind would quite literally go blank. Even if I wrote what I wanted
to say on paper and held it in front of me, I would not be able to
make the words out. (And no, it's not because of my handwriting!)

Toastmasters had come highly recommended by several people.
Phoenix Toastmasters was in a convenient location at a suitable
time. Those may have been the reasons why I first visited the club,

but not the reason that I stayed. The atmosphere was relaxed,
non-competitive and fun! I wasn't looking to be a professional
speaker; I just wanted to be able to communicate more effectively
and challenge myself."

Sandy L. - Treasurer

"I joined Toastmasters in September 2002.

I had become uncomfortable talking to people. When a friend suggested Toastmasters, I went
on-line, called a member of the Phoenix club and got a friendly invitation to sit in on
their next meeting. The members were very welcoming; I felt comfortable and enjoyed myself.

Through the support of the other Phoenix Toastmasters, it's been fun to
learn how we relate to one another using different styles of communication.

Another serendipity of the Toastmaster program and the Phoenix Club members has been
the personal growth, increased confidence and camaraderie. Thanks Phoenix!"

Pam K. - Past President

"In 1995 while I was unemployed, I had the opportunity to take a three week seminar which had a
lasting impact on my life. This program was called "The Psychology of Achievement" by Brian Tracy.
This seminar covered various aspects of our lives, both personal and professional. It was at this
seminar where, for the first time in my life, I actually developed personal goals (as opposed to
"career" goals). It was here that I truly realized the power of communication. To be able to
influence people, you must be able to communicate effectively with them and capture their interest.

One of the personal goals that I committed to at the course was joining Toastmasters,
but I had been too nervous in the past to even attend a meeting! Toastmasters
was highly recommended by Brian Tracy for its
communication and leadership programs. It took me 2 years to eventually
join Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters! And coincidentally, the name of
Brian Tracy's course was actually "The Phoenix Seminar on the Psychology of Achievement."
I thought that was a "sign", a good "omen". I must also add that I achieved
all of my other personal goals as well.

I have been a member of Toronto Phoenix Toastmasters since December 1997.
What keeps me in this club is the PEOPLE, everyone is friendly and
supportive. We all share a common goal of helping one another reach their
goals. I particularly enjoy watching the progress of our members as I see them
realize their goals of becoming better speakers. Why not join us for a meeting
and start on your personal success journey!"