Club Experience

Read below to see what members of Toastmasters of La Jolla have to
say about their experience in the club.

And then come to a meeting and find out for yourself,
what makes Toastmasters of La Jolla special!

Jana Hartwell, CTM:

"I moved back to my home town of San Diego about 4.5 years ago to start a professional organizing business and reconnect with family. Getting my business off the ground was slow-going and at times, difficult for me to sell. After the first few years, I was beginning to be concerned that I might not be able to continue doing what I am passionate about: helping people to clear out clutter in their lives and get organized. During the early Summer of 2001, I found myself at a crossroads...wondering if I would continue as a struggling, small business owner or crawl back to "Corporate America" as a full-time employee. I decided that giving seminars would be a good way to supplement my income, but wasn't quite confident in my public speaking skills to market myself as a public speaker. After hearing wonderful things about Toastmasters for many years, I decided to go to my first meeting after reading an article about the Toastmasters of La Jolla (TMLJ) club in the La Jolla Light. When I walked into my first meeting at TMLJ, I had several motives: 1) to polish my public speaking skills for the purpose of giving paid organizing seminars and workshops, 2) to network with other business professionals, 3) to obtain some new clients, and 4) to make new friends.

My first visit to TMLJ happened to be a special fundraiser meeting called "Auction Night." Since most of my clients come by word-of-mouth and networking, I took advantage of that opportunity to auction off 3 hours of organizing service that evening. The current VP of Membership for the club enthusiastically bought my service and soon became a regular client and good friend! Also, the VP of Education referred me to her brother, who hired me the very next week. Today, I am still being hired regularly by my Toastmasters colleagues. Toastmasters is not only a fantastic way to help improve communication, leadership and public speaking skills, it is a great networking venue for business owners!

Since joining TMLJ, I have more than fulfilled all of my objectives: 1) I'm now being recruited and paid regularly to present organizing & time-management seminars, 2) I have cultivated a diverse group of business professionals to network with, 3) my club members are still hiring and referring other clients to me and...most importantly, 4) I've developed many solid, wonderful friendships!

Besides all of the above reasons, I encourage anyone who is seeking self-improvement in a supportive, fun, learning environment to Join Toastmasters of La Jolla!"

Craig Koontz, DTM:

I expected to improve my communication and leadership skills, but what I also got out of joining TM of LJ was so many relationships with great people. The biggest challenge for me has been to "open up" to share what is on the inside. By practicing being more open with myself to others I have learned more about myself.

Leigh Johnson, CTM:

Having fun with an audience - what a concept! I'd spoken professionally for years in classrooms, seminars and conferences. TM of LJ ripped off the roof on all that serious speech. I learned to tell stories, build drama, and make an educational panel fun by turning it into a TV talk show spoof! Now, when I speak professionally, the audience feels like a friend. Toastmasters gives me a wonderful break every week to relax, laugh, clap and socialize with my new friends.

Jim Kennedy, CTM:

I had been looking for a way of meeting quality people in a challenging environment with little success, until one of my business acquaintances gave an impressive impromptu toast. I inquired about his performance and he said Toastmasters was where he practiced this skill. That inspired me to join TM of LJ and I haven't been disappointed.

Dennis Jasper, CTM:

I have been a member for three years, and my public speaking has improved tremendously. Other advantages are its helped me to get a better paying job, I've made new friends, and TM of LJ knows how to put on great parties - which is another facet of communication.

Dan Wilbers, ATM:

I am asked time and again why I have stayed in Toastmasters for over eight years. The answer is simple. The food! Where else can you get such a variety of delicacies and drink for free? Oh sure, I can hear the laughter and derision now. "Yeah, right," some of you exclaim, "You like that so much because you eat the most!" It's true: free food for a bachelor will keep him around for a long time. Also, the camaraderie of friends I have made through the years is a definite factor and that has allowed me to serve so many great people.

Dr. Teresa Shanahan, CTM:

As a result of practicing and developing my presentation techniques at Toastmasters I have become a natural speaker. The ability to speak confidently gains people's respect and recognition from your peers. It is an excellent way to become an outstanding professional.

Tricia Butler, CTM:

I came to the club to learn techniques of public speaking without collapsing in front of an audience. Eventually I perfected my skills, formed great friendships and found it a positive experience.

Scott Sabul, DTM:

I returned to TM of LJ after a 5-year hiatus for one reason - the people. This club is known for attracting high-quality, top-notch members with diverse backgrounds. The people I've met and the friendships I've established in this club are precious and dear to me.

Jitka Parez, CTM:

I did, by taking a humorous approach to an insipid, bland beverage called tea, and made it not only informative but an interesting speech for 12 minutes. I know I succeeded from the evaluation, the blue ribbon and the laughs I received along with comments from the members who said it was the humor that made this mundane topic so appealing. It is important to challenge yourself to try something new, to get outside your comfort zone. It is an excellent way to grow and is one of the best rewards that Toastmasters provides - an avenue to challenge yourself.

Jeff Novotny, AC:

I joined Toastmasters of La Jolla to improve my verbal communication skills, whether delivering a prepared speech or simply learning to respond quickly and confidently in the course of general conversation.  In less than a year I feel my goals have been met, thanks in large part to the positive support environment provided by Club Members.  I wish I had joined Toastmasters at the beginning of my business career 25 years ago, and highly recommend this process for growth or fine-tuning of speaking skills.