How many of you are ToastMasters?

[rabid_nerd]

Just wondering...

It's a great NON-POLITICAL way to practice and improve your public speaking and leadership skills.

[annabanana]

1. just a natural born blowhard here. . . . . .eom

[JuniperLea]

2. Formerly

Charter member of Vox du Soleil, Los Angeles.

I won a bunch of contests, my favorite being a district wide tall tales contest... I'm an award winning bullshiter... that's how I spin it anyway:)

[rabid_nerd]

5. I'm a charter member as well,

but we just chartered.

Hanover Area.

Just did my first bit as TM. That's why I was curious how many others - longer in the tooth than I - are lurking about.

[JuniperLea]

8. It's great practice for public speaking

And talking on subjects off-the-cuff. I always liked Table Topics best.

Holding office is good practice too. As is the general practice of keeping a meeting on track and on time.

[DemoTex]

3. I got kicked out of a TM meeting when I was in high school.

I was just visiting with another student for my speech class. He and I began laughing uncontrollably when the leader introduced the next speaker, a fellow named Bates. ToastMaster Bates!.

[graywarrior]

4. Mr. Graywarrior has been one for about 4 years

He does a lot of public speaking and being a member of TM has really made a major difference.

[BOSSHOG]

6. Not a toast master but a natural born orator

Debated in High School and College and I have a degree in Journalism (as my wife calls it, a BA in BS.) I was lacking in mechanical skills so the Navy tended to keep me on the podium.

[DemExpat]

7. Mr. DemEx has been one now for about a year.....

finds it very enjoyable and rewarding - has his second major speech tomorrow night, by the way.

DemEx

[raccoon]

9. Formerly. Got my CTM.

I was with a great, very encouraging group.

My experience is that most people in Toastmasters tend to have a Republican philosophy, that is, pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, anybody can make it if they try, etc. I never got into any political discussions with the other members.

[rabid_nerd]

10. The president introduced me with a giant grin...

"I am proud to introduce a fellow Democrat"...

Got some hisses from those that go back and forth...

Ours is a very informal group, but at the same time serious, if that makes sense.

Of course being a Mayor, I can't avoid being identified politically ;)

[Aristus]

11. My mother is an award-winning member of Toastmistress Int'l.

She still has the plaques somewhere.

[Deja Q]

12. I've thought about it...

But I'd talk the people to sleep, or nag 'em out the door...