Comments from Members of St. Paul Speakers:
- I have always been jealous of people who can capture an audience. I decided to
join toastmasters because many of these individuals are toastmasters. Justin Haugen
- I am a long time member of Toastmasters because membership gives me the opportunity to keep my speaking and leadership skills sharp. The old saying "If you don't use it, you lose it" is true. Once learned, skills must be maintained and sharpened. There is always something to learn.
My club is a safe and fun environment for growth and maintenance! Linda Goeppinger
- I joined Toastmasters in 2003 as I was planning my annual professional development goals to achieve for the year
which was to improve my public speaking skills. Three years later, I am still involved with Toastmasters and continue
to improve my public speaking skills. Toastmasters is the place to practice my public speaking before I have to give a
speech. It has certainly helped me to organize my thoughts, especially when called upon unexpectedly to respond to an
issue. In the process, I have met a lot of great people (just like me) seeking to improve their public speaking skills,
and we learn in a fun environment. Genise Smith-Watkins
- After being in Toastmasters for a year and a half, I have discovered that people join Toastmasters for many different reasons. I enjoy the opportunity to meet people at Toastmasters meetings with different backgrounds whom I would probably not meet otherwise, and attend
presentations that expand my learning horizons. Pam Schmidt
- I joined Toastmasters to improve my speaking (I can go 100 miles an hour because of nervousness), and presentation skills at work and school. I also wanted to network with other professionals outside of Securian Financials. Since joining Toastmasters, I have
gained a lot more self confidence when presenting in front of a large group. Meeting with wonderful people at 7:00 a.m.
in the morning also makes for a great day. Joining Toastmaster's is not just about speeches, it's about building long
lasting relationships. Believe me when I say, I do have fun, and I learn a lot. Carol Holst-Collins
- Toastmasters is for everyone who wants to improve speaking skills. You must practice to be good at it and this
provides the opportunity to practice in a friendly, nurturing environment. It also offers opportunities for gaining
leadership training and experience. Mary Wacker
- Initially, I joined Toastmasters to gain more confidence on stage demonstrating hair techniques. Little did I know
what rewards I would really receive! I feel as though a whole new world opened up to me. Toastmasters is a caring,
supportive group of people who have helped me learn while I speak about topics important to me. Friday morning meetings
are like a group of friends interested in each other's successes. Another favorite part of Toastmasters is I have truly
come to look forward to giving a speech. I've discovered an entire speech can come from just one thought! I'm grateful
for my experience with Toastmasters. Doreen Dawson
- I enjoy St. Paul Speakers. At the end of the week, when it is such a struggle to get out of bed one more time,
St. Paul Speakers gives me something to look forward to! Paula Dicke

Members missing from the group photo