When I joined Toastmasters, almost 30 years ago, I really believed that Toastmasters had nothing to teach me. So why did I join, you may ask? I joined because having achieved full colours at school for both Oratory and Debate I missed being on stage and the applause! In Toastmasters I found an organization that encouraged me to speak and always gave me applause. More than that, they gave me feedback and to my surprise, I became a better speaker.

So why did I stay? I soon realized that there were so many skills to learn and hone by taking an active part in the Toastmasters programme. I became fully engaged with the entire programme, taking roles on both the Leadership and the Communication Paths. What this did for me was to set me apart from my peers, giving me job opportunities, promotions and salary increases that I don’t believe I would have been given otherwise.

There is no doubt in my mind that the investment I have made in Toastmasters has repeatedly paid dividends. It has not always been easy and at a point in my life, I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of help from the Garmeson Trust to help pay my semi-annual dues. I knew that it was the best investment I could make and have chosen to make it so for the last 29 years.

Choose to invest in your self-development, pay your semi-annual dues and reap the benefits that Toastmaster has to offer each of us. YOU will become the best leader and the best version of yourself through this investment!!