Testimonials

Nashua-Hudson Toastmasters

Testimonials

Facing My Fears

Before joining Toastmasters, the last time I gave a speech I was a high-school Junior. It went badly and I vowed then and there that I would never speak in public again. It took nearly 40 years before I decided it was time to break that vow and try to overcome my life-long fear of public speaking.

I have been a member of the Nashua-Hudson Club for one year, now and I am surprised by just how far I have come in that time. I am still not completely comfortable speaking in front of a group; in fact, I am anxious every time I get up to speak. But, because of the practice I have had participating in our club’s meetings, I know now that I can do it, and that is something I never expected to be able to say.

It took me 40 years to take that first step and join Toastmasters, and after only 12 months, I did something I have never done before: I volunteered to give a presentation at a training event at work! Looking back at my first year as a club member, I think the real power of Toastmasters is in the supportive environment. It enables people like me to face our fears and uncover skills we didn’t even know we had.
- NHTM Member

Personal Development

I was recently nominated for the board of directors of my condominium association. At the annual meeting, those nominated were asked to stand up and tell everyone why they were running and what they proposed to do. Toastmasters' "Table Topics" experience got me off to a confident start with: "Mr. President, fellow condominium owners and guests...". Apparently, the rest of my two minute presentation succeeded too, as I was elected.
- R. Berman, CTM

As a consultant, I am required to present to senior management of Fortune 1000 companies. Toastmasters has taught me the skills needed to confidently speak and deliver my message clearly and succinctly.
- Carey Loukides, CC
I first joined Toastmasters to enhance my presentation and communication skills as an engineer. Once I became serious about the program and progressed, I accelerated my career development, received larger raises, and began speaking in front of businesss professionals. Whole new opportunities opened up for me I would have never imagined, including running my own business. There is no more important skill for you to master than your communication, and there is no better program to accomplish that, than Toastmasters.
- Greg Fitzgerald, NHTM Member
Toastmasters has empowered me to reach out to people and connect with a deeper level of truth, empathy and compassion.
- Bill Grady, NHTM Member

A Guaranteed Investment

As the financial markets have recently reminded us, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed return when investing. No financial product can deliver an ROI that compares to that received from investing time in Toastmasters.

When asked to answer the question: “What do you hope to get out of Toastmasters?” each member answers the question differently at different times during their membership. I know that I have, as my goals have changed over time. But one thing has remained consistent from the beginning of my membership: I learned that active participation is the key to reaping the most rewards from my Toastmasters membership.

With each speech, we learn to speak more proficiently and to listen more intently. With each role, we gain more confidence and experience. Some of us like to go on to compete, some of us want to use the skills we develop at TM to advance in the workplace, and some may simply want the knowledge and camaraderie membership affords.

While I feel fortunate to be a part of such a dynamic club, I know it takes the cooperation and commitment of our many members to ensure NHTM remains an energized place to learn. Whatever the reason each of us belongs, we get out of our club what we put into it…and more.
- Dawn Richards, CC

Supportive Environment

Toastmasters is a wonderful group to
which to belong. No, I don't have a grand success story - it still takes me a lot of courage to get up there and speak. But the people and the structure are so supportive that I am glad I joined. I look forward to many more enriching moments.
- NHTM Member
The profound effect Toastmasters has had in my life has touched me deeply -personally, professionally and spiritually. Toastmasters continues to shape my life and for that I am eternally grateful.
- NHTM Member

I realized that at each meeting, I got a "piece" of each member and, in return, I gave a "piece" of me.
- NHTM Member (and apparent Robert DeNiro fan)

Spell it Out

Has the Nashua-Hudson Toastmasters added value to my life? If asked this question 4 years ago, my answer would have been, "Yes, it has improved my ability to do public speaking". Today, if asked what has the Nashua-Hudson TM done to add value to my life? The answer would be very different. Please allow me to use the letters NHTM to illustrate.

The N is for all the New friends I have made. The club is made up of a very diversified group. This has allowed me to meet many people I would not have had the opportunity to know.

The H is for the opportunity to Help others. Participating in mentoring, and evaluations along with volunteering for the many other roles of the club, is not only educational but also very self-rewarding. Since participating in Toastmasters I have written and teach a course in Understanding Auctioning. The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission licensed the course for three hours of continuing education credit for real estate license holders. Subsequently, I have been retained to speak at annual Realtor Board meetings, and as a featured speaker at an International Conference of the National Association of Auctioneers. None of these opportunities would have been possible without Toastmaster’s guidance.

The T is for Table Topics where I learned to overcome my greatest fear, speaking impromptu. Recently, while running for elective office at a condominium association, I was asked to stand up and give a campaign speech. Totally unprepared but relaxed, I delivered a five-minute presentation. Yes, I was elected but, again,the credit goes to the TM training.

The M is for the Mental stimulation the entire program provides as you prepare for your next speech or role. My own personal life has dramatically changed from working full time of 60+ hours a week to a semi-retired schedule. My wife and I are now sole caretakers for her elderly parents. My personal need for additional mental stimulation has never been more important and TM provides it.

Today when I am asked, if N-HTM adds value to my life, I reply, “you bet it does, do you have a few minutes for me to tell you how?”.
- Richard C. Berman, CTM