What Our Members Say About Us
Avalon Beach Toastmasters is the friendliest club of any kind that I have joined.
I look forward to meetings because I really like the people I see, and because we have so many laughs together.
I really enjoy seeing fledgling speakers gain confidence and develop their confidence.
Even when they reach their speaking goal, and move on to using their new found skills as a leader and a notable professional, I feel pride that the club has produced another success, despite the sense of loss as a friend moves on.
Fortunately, these ‘graduates’ are replaced by new and interesting people who we can help through the same adventure.– Richard Pitchforth
I felt at home as soon as I entered the room. I felt welcomed and included. This was at my very first Toastmasters meeting 18 months ago. That atmosphere continues to help me speak up, think on my feet, learn from others, and generally have a good time. Yes, I still get nervous, but enjoy the slight “high” after speaking – even if its only a one-minute speech.
– Marie Quinn
I joined Toastmasters to help me get over my reluctance to stand up and speak.
I knew I wanted to create videos for work and the thought of standing in front of a camera, killed me.From my very first meeting, the members there made me feel welcomed. I’ve been consistently supported and encouraged to do my best.
I now speak on camera without fear. Nerves are still there- but now it’s because I want to do a good job; not because I hate the camera. If you want to upskill or improve your speaking or leadership, come along! We are a diverse and supportive group. We like to have fun and genuinely want the best for each other. Being in such a positive group environment is truly good for the soul.
– Zoe Alexander
Having now been selected as the face of R U OK? Day’s National campaign, been nominated for multiple categories in the National Youth Awards and am a motivational speaker of my own, I owe a lot to Avalon Beach Toastmasters. When I first joined the club, I had little to no idea about what Toastmasters was. All I knew was that it was a place in-which I could speak and share my story with people willing to listen. However, these welcome arms, jubilant faces and their encouraging feedback, changed all this. Through critical evaluation and the platform to regularly speak, both my speaking skills and confidence in my ability drastically increased. Through these increases, I am now able to stand at the stature in-which I do today and look ahead to even greater heights.
– Sam Clarke
Speechcraft provided me with a fabulous introduction to speaking in public. It created a warm and safe environment where I was encouraged and nurtured, as well as having the opportunity to learn new skills from speakers who are masters in their field. In addition to the skills I learnt and the confidence I gained, I also met some lovely people and shared lots of laughs! I highly recommend the speechcraft course at Avalon toastmasters for anyone who needs to learn to effectively communicate and gain generally gain confidence.
Two months after finishing speech craft I spoke in an auditorium of 200 people at the Australian Doctors Live Conference in Sydney with very positive feedback… and I enjoyed it! Something I never would have dreamed of before!
– Kathryn Hawkins
I joined Toastmasters 3 years ago because I lacked social confidence. I benefited so much, both personally and professionally that I felt I wanted to help others also achieve life changing success. I don’t think there is anything so heartwarming and rewarding as when someone simply says ’thank you – you have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me.”
– Graham
“Toastmasters has helped me build confidence and to efficiently construct and give a speech in a supportive and non- threatening environment. My listening skills have also greatly improved. I have learnt many new things from all the different speeches given by fellow members. You leave each meeting feeling motivated and inspired! Avalon Beach club has an extremely friendly, relaxed atmosphere which puts everyone at ease.”
– Yolande