First-Timers Share Experiences
What the Members Say:
A survey of last year’s first-timers
and their convention experience.
Every year, Toastmasters’ International Convention hosts thousands of attendees from all over the world, with many joining in for the very first time. What’s it like to be a first-timer? The Toastmaster asked a few members who attended the 76th annual International Convention in Phoenix last summer. This is what they said:
Ellen Cranston, CC, City Centre Toastmasters Club, Prince George, BC, Canada
“I came by myself and not once during the entire convention did I feel alone, lonely or unwelcome – as a matter of fact, quite the opposite was true. I found the educational sessions to be very timely and useful and some of the tips that I learned, I have passed onto my own club.
“Nearly every speaker I listened to I found inspirational – so much so that some day, I hope to be one of those presenters. Networking with other members was truly delightful. I met people from all over the world and we shared some very special memories. I hope to meet them again in Calgary.
“There are not enough words in any language to describe the amazing sense of camaraderie that I experienced. I plan to be in Calgary for the 2008 Convention and I hope to never miss another Convention. I’ve turned into a Convention junkie!”
Alison Watson, DTM, Lennox Lightning Toastmasters Club, Lennox Head, NSW, Australia
“What was most wonderful for me was the celebratory feel of the whole convention – colorful ceremonies reflected pride in the organization, pride in our achievements, pride and joy just for being part of Toastmasters International.”
Karen L. Twichell, ACS, Author/Speaker, Rancho Speech Masters, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
“I was astounded at the level of speakers I heard. I had so much fun! I never walked 50 feet without someone welcoming me to the event and asking if I needed anything. I attended the conference alone and truly appreciated this friendliness. I am currently applying for the Accredited Speaker Program and I am planning on attending the convention in Calgary this year.”
Bay Stevens, Marketing Masters Club, Albuquerque, New Mexico
“The educational sessions were superb. The presenters raised the bar for fresh ideas, audience participation and handouts. The speech contest was dramatic, and I was happy to see that my choice of champion did win.”
Justine Bishop, Valley Toastmasters Club, Juneau, Alaska
“Attending the Toastmasters International Convention was an exciting and fun opportunity! I met lots of very nice people and was able to network as well. I even got the name of a keynote speaker for our 2008 Spring Conference in Juneau from a fellow Toastmaster who lived in Houston.
“The various educational sessions I attended were excellent and very informative.
“I found it very enjoyable to have all sorts of TI products available from Headquarters at the store they’d set up there on site. I purchased a number of things.
“Because I had had a personal crisis the day before attending this convention, I was not quite as outgoing as I normally would have been. Overall, though, despite my personal challenge(s), I was very glad to have attended.”
These experiences can be yours too! Come and discover a whole new gateway to opportunity!