Are you a First-Timer?
What the Members Say...
Every year, the 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 77th annual International Convention in Calgary, last summer. This is what they said:
John Locke, ATMS, AL, Land of Sky and Ridgefield Toastmasters clubs
Arden and Asheville, North Carolina
“The International Convention in Calgary was the ultimate ‘Out of Club’ experience. I discovered early in my Toastmasters journey that true growth takes place outside the comfort zone of the club. I have had a sense over the last 10 years that my Toastmasters experience would be incomplete until I attended an International Convention. I really didn’t know what to expect as a first-timer in Calgary. The energy was electric, the education sessions were amazing and the International Speech Contest was one of the most inspiring events of my life. I had to wear sunglasses to block the glare from all the DTM medallions...you have to see it all first-hand to believe it!”
Grace Jennings, DTM, Austin Toastmasters Club
Austin, Texas
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first Toastmasters International Convention…and Calgary wasn’t half-bad, either! Although I did not get to attend the education sessions, due to the fact that as a member of my district’s trio I spent my time interviewing candidates, I was very impressed with the program. I was thrilled with the opportunity to meet and mingle with other dedicated Toastmasters. It was a great event!”
Marsha Kiley, ACS, Cigna WDC Lunchtime Toastmasters
Hartford, Connecticut
“Thank you for the opportunity to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I think in addition to being able to speak freely with all the candidates running for international director, I enjoyed having lunch with Toastmasters from Ireland and sitting in an education session during the Q&A and realizing that I was sitting with members from around the world. It was an awesome experience!”
Deidra L. McGee, ACB, Do Tell Club,
Silver Spring, Maryland
“The year 2008 was great for me, because I attended my first Toastmasters International Convention, in Canada. Toastmasters Convention attendees, volunteers and my district governor showed me the ropes of the Convention, and Canadians made me feel very welcomed to their city. It was definitely the most memorable and best trip I had taken in a while and the highlight of the year for me….Eh! I‘m looking forward to the 2009 Convention in Mashantucket, Connecticut.”
Daniel Cantrell, CC, Lifeway Toastmasters
Nashville, Tennessee
“TI Calgary was a rewarding and valuable experience for me as a first-time attendee. Getting to see some of the best public speakers from all over the world is quite exciting! I look forward to my next Convention.”
These experiences can be yours too! Come and Go Grand in Mashantucket!