Toastmasters Club Lakewood Colorado

Learn Public Speaking

Lakewood Toastmaster Club Has Fast Fun Program

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The Ah Counter

Each week members of the Thunderbolt Orators take on various roles to create a dynamic meeting. One of these roles is to be the Ah counter. This person keeps track of "ah's" and "um's" and similar filler words. We also introduce the roles at the beginning of the meetings. One week to liven up the explanation of what the Ah counter does, one of our members submitted this poem. Perhaps it will illustrate that we are constantly enjoying ourselves.

The Wizard of Ahs

Today is my day. The role, to score Ahs

No doubt you’d say, a worthy cause

For this is the place where we mas and pas

Attempt to heal our speaking flaws

The ifs, and ands, and sos, and Ahs

Are a black board scraped by a thousand claws

When the pesky fillers escape our maws

They torment us with crow-like caws

To cut out the evil, you need no saws

To heal your speaking you won’t need gauze

Instead, just employ a graceful pause

A silent flower in an audio vase

So lest you be careless, and open your jaws

Subject yourself to obnoxious guffaws

Remember this. To enforce the laws

Today, I am, your Wizard of Ahs

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My Amazing Journey with “The Bolts”

By: Karyn Murphy

This time last year, I had a moment of inspiration and joined the Thunderbolt Orators Club of Toastmasters. Wow, was I in for a ride.

After checking out the website, I emailed Judy about the possibility of attending a meeting. V.P. of Membership and my future mentor, Judy Lloyd, was quick to replay. She conveyed excitement and sincere interest in my goals and the many benefits ToastmastersInternational provides both professionally and personally.

That first meeting was a memorable one from the moment I reached for the door handle. On the other side a friendly stranger, Scott Jurgens (the Club President at the time) was dressed in shorts, t-shirt, sneakers and a baseball cap! Not what I expected in a corporate setting in early November. As it turned out, it was Scott’s turn to be one of two weekly speakers and his speech required being in character, i.e. a teenage boy. I quickly found out that surprises and warm welcomes are part of every meeting.

You could say that I walked in that door and never looked back. I remember looking around the room and thinking what a diversified group of people they appear to be, yet everyone was there for the same purpose: to be the best they can be and support those who shared this drive. Like most of their visitors, I knew I had found the right club for me.

CONTINUED

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To Give YOUR Life a Jolt

Just Call the Thunderbolts!

If you believe that lightning can't strike twice in the same place, then you need to visit a meeting of the Thunderbolt Orators. You will meet plenty of members who have been zapped with the skills and confidence to effectively express themselves in any situation. The good news is, YOU CAN DO IT, TOO! Whether you are a professional, a student, a stay-at-home parent or a retiree, we offer the most lightning-fast, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. You’ll shock your peers as you grow more persuasive and confident in personal and formal settings. To give your life a jolt, just give us a call or drop us an email (Contact Information). We are anxious to hear from you.

Don’t worry! Everyone in a Toastmasters club was once at the level you are now. Our own new members say it well. The environment is friendly and supportive, and the self-paced program allows you to build confidence with each speaking assignment. And you’ll love the applause! Constructive evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters program. Each time you give a prepared speech, an evaluator will point out strengths and suggest improvements. At first you’ll be applauded for your effort; later you’ll be applauded for your skill.

A Pleasant Surprise!

At Thunderbolt Orators, we recognize that becoming a good speaker has plenty of side benefits. Here are some other great lessons that just fall in place as our members develop their speaking skills:

1) Most of us worry way too much about making mistakes . Good article about Fear and Mistakes. (Scroll down about 5-6 articles)

2) One of the key elements to becoming a gifted speaker is to simultaneously learn how to be a dynamic listener.

3) Sometimes what you don’t say (Pauses, Ah, Um, Er…) is just as important as what you do say.

4) Most people have a lot more “speech-worthy” experiences than they realize.

5) There is a knack to giving and receiving constructive criticism.

6) Good speakers also become good Leaders.

7) You will improve the most when you take risks.

8) Notes and podiums quickly lose their importance.

9) It is EXTREMELY gratifying to convert apprehension into confidence.

10) The worst mistake you can make is not starting.

Most seasoned Toastmasters can think of turning-points in their skill-level. We also see it in our other club members. Whether you are just starting out, or an old-timer looking to take another step, the above items and good speaking skills, all go hand-in-hand.

We hope you will drop by or

call an Officer for a Personal Escort

You will be sooooo glad you did!!!

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When and where are Meetings- Talk with a Club Member- Membership Information- FAQ

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"Great speakers are not born, they're trained."
-Dale Carnegie