2005/2006 Goals

• Provide better service to our members
• Focus on members achieving their goals
• Grow the club by adding new members

2005/2006 Team Accomplishments

• New City Hall Location
• New Membership kits
• Chocolate treats
• New Member Induction Ceremony
• Revised Club Website
• Club Awards to celebrate member success
• More great speeches!
• More great members!

Michele B. - President
"I remember the day so clearly. I was in the middle of giving a presentation at work and my mind went totally blank. I was frozen with fear. I could not get my thoughts together.....and I walked right out of the meeting. I did however, come back a few minutes later and finish my presentation, but I realized more than ever that I needed help with my public speaking skills. I wanted to be able to communicate my thoughts to a group of individuals and not have my knees knocking, my heart pounding, and my mind going blank. I am after all a professional and I should be able to do this with no problems, but I could not.

In February 2001 I found the Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters club. I walked into my first meeting scared and unsure of what to say or do. I was greeted by many wonderful people who immediately made me feel at ease. I watched everyone very closely that evening and knew that I not only needed to do this but that I wanted to be a part of this team.

I can not begin to tell you how far I have come in the last four years. My confidence in public speaking has grown tremendously and my communication skills are top notch compared to when I began. I have built strong leadership skills that continue to help my career more than ever. I not only learned to talk effectively, but to listen effectively as well. I have met many wonderful people and shared their fears and progress along this scary but wonderful journey. Sometimes my knees still knock and my heart beats a little faster, but my mind and my words now work together.

I invite you to visit our club and we will be delighted to share our evening with you.

"You are the person who has to decide, whether you'll do it or toss it aside; you are the person who makes up your mind, whether you'll lead or will linger behind. Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar. Or just be contented to stay where you are." "

Sandy L. - VP of Education
"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!"

Larry C. - VP Of Membership
"I started to realise at middle age I should be more involved in meetings and better at speaking to my peers. I figure it is never too late to advance your career by honing your communication skills. At Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters Club it’s a learn by doing atmosphere. Here the people are supportive, energetic, and fun. An immediate personal goal of mine is to conquer my fears of Table Topics.

I joined Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters club in November of 2004 and my greatest pleasure is seeing people improve their speaking skills. Come and join us on Tuesday nights and see for yourself. We are more than happy for you to be our guest."

Jerry C. - Treasurer
I had known for some time that being able to communicate effectively is an important life skill. This point became apparent to me while attending a conference last year. The two key speakers both spoke effectively and eloquently with great ease in front of large audiences. I was impressed by their presentations and realized that to be an effective leader meant becoming an engaging speaker.

Choosing a club to visit for was not difficult because the Phoenix’s website promoted learning public speaking while at the same time having fun. I attended a couple of their meetings and it was clear they practiced what they preached.

Being a member for less than a year has already helped my public speaking. The skills I am learning have helped me to become more effective at work. I believe in Toastmasters and Phoenix so much so that I accepted the position of Treasurer for the upcoming year.

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. "

Elena R. - Secretary
"Shakespeare once said: "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players…"

It is true for North America in particular. One big show, everybody is on stage. No matter how daring your goals are, the most it would take to achieve them is your ability to present yourself and your ideas.

In Russia I worked as a journalist, in Canada I am pursuing my business career in event planning and management. As is well known, a clean, elegant, and functional presentation is the key in any business.

Toastmasters… A place to learn and have fun at the same time: an exciting, friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Supportive and well- wishing people embrace and capture you as long as you are there.

Phoenix Toronto Toastmasters… The place to be. "

Frank S. - Sergeant-at-Arms
I had been a member of another Toastmasters club several years ago.

I find that you have to practice your speaking skills to keep them and so I joined the Phoenix Toronto Toastmaster club in February 2005. Speaking skills builds confidence and assists in interpersonal relations in all aspects of your life. The ability to communicate effectively is as important as any technical skill and yet it generally does not receive any special attention or education.

For this reason I highly recommend Toastmasters as a supportive organization where people can grow and learn at their own pace and level.

Pierre P. - Past 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!"