As I was processing my documentation for Recertification, 2 months ago, I learned that Toastmasters Communication track and Leadership track awards can qualify for Recertification Points. I joined Toastmasters in April 2015. Over the past 2 & 1/2 years, I’ve completed my Competent Communicator (2x), Advanced Communicator Bronze, Competent Leadership (7x), Advanced Leader Bronze, and Advanced Leader Silver. That’s 24 Recertification Points. I will be completing my Advanced Ccommunicator Silver and Gold in the next few months, on my way to Distinguished Toastmaster. Six more points. And, several of us have been Job Hunting and secured interviews because we are Toastmasters (listed on resume). Specific feedback from recruiters pointed that out, to us. All that to say that I encourage you to consider joining Toastmasters. (www.toastmasters.org) It may help you during a job hunt, it may provide opportunities for Recertification Points, and you’ll improve skills in communication, leadership, and public speaking. Plus it’s fun!

I am also a member of Toastmasters and I second your recommendation. There are so many awesome things about that organization and I have seen many blossom with self confidence once they overcome their fear of public speaking.

In my case, I wasn't afraid of it (thank goodness), but I joined because I wanted to make sure I hadn't self taught myself any poor qualities as a speaker.

I definitely encourage everyone to check out their local clubs and consider joining!

I've wanted to join Toastmasters for the past several years. I've checked out their website numerous times, talked to chapter directors, follow them on LinkedIn, but I'm terrified to join. I realize how beneficial it would be, especially for someone like me, but I can't seem to make it happen. Public speaking is extremely uncomfortable.

Come on, you can do it!!!! Just go check out a a meeting.

I’m with you B. Maudlin, public speaking is quite uncomfortable for me too. However, I have a Toastmasters chapter at my work and have considered joining, but just haven’t done it yet. If I want to “stretch” myself, I’ll need to do it eventually. Plus, I do realize it would be another skill and organization to have on my resume.

I thought about checking out Toastmasters many years ago but never did. Did not realuze it can be beneficial during a job hunt. I'm currently in the job hunt process. Maybe I should check them out.

The connection between Toastmasters and recertification points is icing on the cake! My department at work offers reimbursement for one-half of our membership fee in Toastmasters.

I highly recommend Toastmasters to anyone who wants to develop their communication and leadership skills. It's not just about speaking in front of an audience; not everyone is going to speak professionally. However, everyone has a working or personal relationship with people of all ages. Toastmasters can assist you with interpersonal communication skills which is very important. Every employer is looking for someone with communication skills. Most job descriptions list it as a requirement for the position. When you join a Toastmasters club, you are amongst friends who are just as scared as you are. Do not let fear keep you from joining. I have been a member of Toastmasters since 1998 and successfully served as District Governor, aka, District Director. The greatest accomplishment was when I earned the Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) award! Out of 360,000 members worldwide, only one-to-two percent (1-2%) earn that award. It is the highest educational achievement in Toastmasters. I don't say this to brag, but to challenge you to let go of the fear and visit a club and join Toastmasters. I can personally attest, it will help you find that dream job, get that promotion, and/or receive a well deserved raise. The skills you acquire outweigh any fear! Toastmasters has three features and benefits: First feature is the table topic session where you speak off the cuff. The benefit is thinking on your feet when asked a question during a meeting or job interview. (Several years ago, I was offered a management position at a local bank on the spot because I honed this skill.) The second feature are the prepared manual speeches. The first manual has ten projects to complete; each speech builds a new skill (vocal variety, eye contact, gestures, etc.) to prepare you for the next project. Once you complete the first manual, you will move into the advanced manuals (five speeches) where you choose the desired projects that pertain to your interests. The third feature is the evaluation session. Each speech you present is evaluated by another Toastmaster member based on the objective of the speech. They will praise you on what you did well and offer suggestions on what you can do to improve the speech. The benefit is learning how to conduct a performance appraisal or providing feedback. I especially learned a lot when I became a Club and a District Officer. When you become an officer, you acquire leadership skills that are priceless. The following skills are what you can incorporate into your resume: managing a club or district, leading a meeting, parliamentary procedures, planning and maintaining a budget, event planning, marketing/public relations, and taking minutes. Several of my jobs did not offer these type of skills to expound on; however, Toastmasters did! I have grown professionally as well as personally because of Toastmasters. So, what are you waiting on? Join now! To find a club near you: www.toastmasters.org At least go visit a club and see for yourselves what it's all about. Tell them I sent you.

I have been thinking of joining Toastmasters but am also afraid to. Thank you for sharing your stories. A number of years ago I attended a six-day Dale Carnegie course that my company puts on every year. The first half of the program was all about getting up in front of others and speaking off the cuff. The instructors (there were two) would then critique you in front of all of your coworkers and make you repeat your story over and over until you got it "perfect". I am an introvert and was incredibly shy growing up but I thought I had gotten over that. Until I took that Dale Carnegie course. After the first day I felt like I was in the sixth grade again, cowering down and hoping the "teacher" didn't call on me. I cried every night in my hotel during that course. I almost cried once during class. The instructor kept pushing me and pushing me. My face was soo red and my tears were ready to roll down my face. I ended up telling the instructor that I was done and he needed to move on to the next person and I sat down. It was so embarrassing. It doesn't seem that Toastmasters is like this, but I am still afraid! I don't want another Dale Carnegie experience.

I urge you to consider joining Toastmasters. I am a SHY Introvert, but I joined in 2009. For most of my life I avoided anything to do with public speaking. I took the Dale Carnegie course, and it was accelerated and high-pressure; I hated that course! But since I joined Toastmasters I actually look forward to speaking in public. You can go at your own pace - and it's extremely low pressure. In addition to earning recertification points by getting education awards such as Competent Leader or Competent Communicator, you can earn points for being an officer, if you decide that's what you want. And the networking possibilities are wonderful (either with a corporate club or a community club).