Toastmasters is good for you

[Fitzwilly]

As part of my ongoing pursuit of being a better entertainer I attended a storytelling festival a couple of years ago. I have been back almost every year since. At a little workshop the instructor was talking about finding stories, writing stories, and finding youe style. One of the things I found interesting was that she belonged to Toastmasters International. I always lumped that group in with the Lion's Club, the Optimists Club, the Shriners, and the Rotary. She said that TI had an advanced manual that helped a person learn to tell stories effectively. I thought about it from time to time but didn't follow up until I was talking to a couple of the more sucessful entertainers I know. They both mentioned that they belonged to a Toastmasters group at one time and that it really helped them learn some of the underlying "things" that differentiate a well crafted and impressive speech/performance from an average, ho hum performance. Knowing where they started from and where they compared today with other entertainers I decided that had plenty of credibility to back up their statements. After a while I joined a Toastmasters group. I have found it to be a useful teaching tool. Now If I can start attending on a regular basis I'll be all set.

[Baloo]

I've never heard of the group Toastmasters. I have a book called the Toastmaster's treasure chest but I can never remember the "7000 unusual quotations for toastmasters, speakers and anyone likely to be clssed on for brief remarks" I would like to know more about this group you mentioned.

[Fitzwilly]

Here is a quick Google of the main site. I wouldn't doubt there are a few clubs in your area that meet at different times and have different personalities.

Welcome to Toastmasters International where we are"Making ...Non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924. Members learn how to lead ...
www.toastmasters.org/ - Similar pages
Find a Club - www.toastmasters.org/find/
About Toastmasters - www.toastmasters.org/about.asp
Become A Member - www.toastmasters.org/artisan/detail-solo.asp?CategoryID...
How Toastmasters Can Help You - www.toastmasters.org/help.asp

Back to the convention. I'll update again later.

[Luki Loki]

TMI also has advanced manuals on humorous speaking, entertaining speaker. there are 15 advanced manuals following the basic manual which is a good basic speakers education and a leadership manual. Sure beats the cost of a seminar on either of these subjects and is hands or should I say mouth on training.

Just like any other system one gets out what they put into it.

http://www.toastmasters.org/find/default.asp will help find a club in your area and most clubs welcome visitors.

I even do work on my club's website and am in charge of making the agendas and scheduling speakers. Lots to learn.

[TJ]

I've often thought of Toast Masters myself. Now I'm going to look into it more seriously.

[Fitzwilly]

It will probably be a while before I am in Texas again, but when I am I will have to visit your club.

[Luki Loki]

My club sure got a kick out of it when I did a speech on the types and sub types of clown. Hard to believe so many "normal people" don't realize there are types.

Fitzwilly all ya need to do is plug in club 305 in on the find a club page and it will give you basic info and a link to the website. We are always happy to have guests.