Anyone participated in Toastmasters?

Question

I am working on my public speaking skills and attended a few different Toastmasters sessions. I thought people were a little odd. It seemed like most lacked social skills. I was surprised because many were great public speakers but on a one on one basis they were cold fish. I went to three different clubs and did not like the people at any of them.

How was the Toastmasters experience for you?

Answer 1

LOL i totally agree!  i have been a member since 1988 and - starting with a speechcraft session and even though i am still a member   I cannot stand the people.  i HATE THAT FEELING!!!

They are stuck on themselves i swear- and I thought HONESTLY that i was the only person that thought this...

I am not that successful Real Estate Agent, or actress- etc

that made up my local TM Group.

  I go for ME and me only.

  I do not meet these people outside of the Organization.  It is worth staying if you want to better yourself.   It honestly helped me to be more active here on Yahoo Answers, because in effect I am being myself and talking to you the way I would if I would meet you on the street.

Also, I am disabled and this gives me ONE day a week that i can do something for me to help keep my self esteem  and not worry what other people think -- It keeps me from getting depressed (although I am when i leave-lol)

They are  great  Public Speakers, only because they work the program,  but were any of the Motivators-- THAT IS WHERE YOU WANT TO END UP with this ...

the best thing to do is  WORK THE PROGRAM --IT WORKS!!  and IF you meet outside of the organization GREAT- otherwise  realize that you are there for Personal and Individual Development!

ALSO- Because of this Organization, my COLLEGE classes went so well- I challenged SPEECH and received and A fmy grade.  

IF YOU REALLY WANT SOCIALIZATION AND YOU ARE NOT 40  JOIN JAYCEES (US JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)  THE 15 YRS I WAS A MEMBER WAS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE -- THEN I HIT 40 :(    i AM SO BORED NOW-lol

DUE TO MY ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND  BECAUSE OF TOASTMASTERS- I WAS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN STATE AND NATIONAL COMPETITONS IN JAYCEES FOR SPEAK-UP  and it is an EVERY YEAR event!

These were PERSONAL goals and I succeeded -- If you want to talk more - i would be glad to...

i am so thankful for Toastmasters because it gave me the courage to get out there in the Public  and JUDGE HS SPEECH MEETS  WHAT A BLAST!!