Mar 23: What you missed at last night's meeting . . .

What an incredible meeting! Of course we missed YOU, but guess what YOU missed! Only THREE new members, that's all!

Nick Colón, who visited us last week, decided to join this week, and he'll give his Ice Breaker speech very soon. DeWayne Ivey, whom you might remember from our Christmas party at Mi Cocina, came back to visit, and also joined tonight. Benson Varghese (say "Var Geese") came to us on the recommendation of a friend with advanced communication skills. She gave Toastmasters the credit, and Benson tracked us down to our website.

We're extremely excited to have them join our wonderful Afterburners family, and we want to introduce them to everyone. So come on, EVERYONE! Come back to celebrate our 24th Anniversary next week, March 30. There'll be food and fun (and probably some new member inductions), but most important is your opportunity to welcome these newcomers and share what Afterburners means to you.

The speaking schedule is posted on the website. As always, it's a living document, capable of changing to suit our members' needs. If you have a schedule conflict, let me know, or contact the Toastmaster for the meeting in question.

Tammy Bailey, DTM
Afterburners VP Ed

PS: As you can see from the photo above, we also got to see Tammy's temples, which was a first for most of us.

Why I am an Afterburners Toastmaster

When I joined Afterburners Toastmasters, I was eager to gain experience from public speaking.  As I participated in the different roles, meeting after meeting, I began to notice a confidence in me I didn’t know I had. One day, as I was giving a presentation at school, one of my classmates congratulated me and told me I presented and spoke really well. It was at that moment that I realized the value in my commitment to this club. Afterburners Toastmasters has helped me control my fear of public speaking, it has given me confidence to speak up more frequently in public, and it has helped me improve my communication skills.  Not only have I benefited from being able to learn from all the talent and gifts other members have, I feel at home and welcomed through their friendship. 

I advise anyone who is looking for a public speaking club to question what you hope to get out of this type of organization. If what you’re looking for is what I found, then come and be a part of Afterburners Toastmasters.

Saraí Garcia