Here's how the Toastmasters program has helped some of our club members.

"When I started at my current job I was expected to give presentations on a regular basis but, my background in Software Engineering hadn't prepared me for that. After a few short months as a Cypress Communicator though, my speaking confidence and ability had increased two-fold and new opportunities began to present themselves. In my first year, I gave presentations in 6 different countries, was promoted to a new position, and started a small business. I firmly believe that Cypress Communicators is aiding my personal development and I recommend the club to anyone!" Justin	"Wow-weee!!! I could-a-had a V-8! Instead, I joined Toastmasters Club 6245—Cypress Communicators—to overcome my fears of speaking in front of large groups. Now I can speak with confidence in front of total strangers without my knees knocking! I hope you can join us for a meeting to see how you can progress in overcoming your fears of speaking." Bill – Past Club President - Tech Support for ATT Mobility
Julie	Believe it or not, I was once an even shyer and quieter person than I am today…one who had trouble just talking to people in small groups. It was so apparent, that Toastmasters was specifically recommended to me to help me overcome my insecurities. That was 15 years before I actually joined Cypress Communicators. Did I mention that I was a procrastinator, as well? Over time, due to all of the helpful tips and encouragement from my fellow Toastmasters, most of my anxieties and nervousness while speaking to groups has subsided and it’s opened up a whole new world of community service to me. I’ve conducted Origami paper-folding classes and craft seminars for various seniors and community groups. Most recently, I’ve been a trainer for the UCLA extension memory improvement workshops for the aged. These are all events that I would have never attempted before joining Toastmasters. In summary, the light-hearted, fun environment at Cypress Communicators has more than met my personal objectives. It has helped me expand my comfort zone to include confidently speaking without trembling in group settings for business or pleasure. Thank you, Toastmasters! Now, YOU too can do it! We’re all here to help. Joy – Club President
Ken - Past Club President	"Growing up, I was always too shy to speak up in class. Toastmasters has given me the confidence to fully participate in meetings at work and to become a volunteer leader in a nonprofit organization. My circle of friends has grown tremendously and my life is much richer now." Norm - Past Club President - Engineer Founder's District Governor 2004-2005 Candidate for Toastmasters International Director
"Certainly, TM helps me speak better in public. Beyond that, I enjoy listening to the stories my Toastmasters friends tell and watching how they deliver them. Also, Cypress Communicators is a place where I meet good friends and know more about them. The club plays the role of a unit of the whole international system. Thus, as a contact point, the club connects me to an enormous intellectual world. The opportunities and fun are simply infinite. Being in a TM meeting is just an intellectual pleasure out of my high-pressured world where I am living." Ken	"I stammered and stuttered my way through an introduction at Cypress Communicators like most beginning speakers. I was finally able to present my first speech with the support and encouragement of fellow club members. During my continued membership, I've gained confidence, poise at the lectern, and become an astute listener. Cultivating and fine tuning my public speaking skills is an ongoing process. There is so much more for me to learn!" Bill
"I joined Cypress Communicators to hone my speaking skills and to increase my self-confidence. Since joining Toastmasters, I have become more confident, successful, and a better communicator. Along the way, I made a lot of friends and had fun, too." Charlie - Past Club President - Insurance Broker	"Toastmasters is helping me polish my English skills." Yunfei
"I am a very new member of Toastmasters. I was reluctant to join because of my fear to commitment to the process of overcoming my fear of public speaking. I came to several meetings as a guest, and realized quickly that I was amongst friends who understood my fears and wanted to help. I highly recommend Toastmasters to anyone who wants to improve on their speaking abilities." Susan	"I joined Cypress Communicators to overcome my terror of speaking in public. Toastmasters has helped my career by giving me the confidence to speak in public, handle difficult meetings, and think on my feet. It was Toastmasters that allowed a rather dry and boring speaker to win the district’s humorous speech contest, proving to my family that I indeed have a sense of humor." Robert - Past Club President, Past Area Governor - Architect Founder's District 2003 Champion of Humorous Speaking
"As a long time hairdresser I have always been able to talk to my clients. It’s part of my job. When I opened my own Salon I realized I needed to sharpen my skills at communication with not only my clients but with my employees. I wanted to learn how to present my ideas clearly and concisely in order for my team to understand. Toastmasters has helped me to learn to do just that! I feel confident when conducting meetings and evaluations. In addition, I work for Goldwell Haircolor presenting seminars and in-salon workshops. Toastmasters has helped me to step up my presentation style to another level. I love all that I have learned and continue to learn at every meeting!" Bev - Past Club President	"Though still fairly new to the Cypress Communicators club, I am beginning to improve my voice, my speech, and overcome my nervousness when speaking and expressing my ideas and thoughts in front of people. I'm always looking forward to every Wednesday night's meeting because I know I will learn something new about other members and myself. Joining this club was the right decision for me for improvement, and I love it." Luoc - Club Sgt. at Arms
"Cypress Communicators will help your business! I speak to groups during workshops, presentations, conferences and seminars. Belinda Sanders Consulting was created to partner with people who want to create and implement effective oral and written communications, produce quality products, improve productivity and profitability. My business helps individuals and organizational leaders develop proficient writing, speaking and creative thinking skills, sell persuasively, and lead effectively. Speaking skills are the core of my business! I had no intention of ever speaking in a public environment! Participation during Cypress Communicators' meetings supported the blossoming and growth of my speaking skills!" Belinda - Past Club President	"I was looking for a speech club to improve my speaking skill when Thomas, the current club president, introduced me to Cypress Communicators. I knew this is the club for me. "When I was in college, I didn't think communication skills would be one of the most important factors in the real world. How do I convey my ideas to other people? Therefore, I want to gain more confidence in public speaking. I believe joining Toastmasters will help me become a better speaker because I get to make live speeches to an eager and constructive audience." Jane
"I have always been shy and concerned about public speaking. I joined Cypress Communicators to improve my speaking skills and to overcome these concerns. I am more confident at public speaking, participating in meetings and in conversations. I have met and learned a lot from other Toastmasters about different aspects of presenting a speech. This is done in a peer supporting environment. Toastmasters has helped me a lot in my work and my life." Hovi	"I have always been afraid to speak, even if it was to just say my name. It is very difficult for me to speak in public. Toastmasters is helping me to get more comfortable standing up and speaking in front of people. My hands are starting to shake less, which makes me feel better." Liz - Club Secretary - Student
"I joined Cypress Communicators to improve my communication skills, and the location is very close to my house. I enjoy being with the group. The club members are very friendly and always encourage me to speak up in the meetings." Norman - Engineer	"I joined Cypress Communicators almost 20 years ago to prepare for a presentation at my daughter’s wedding. Toastmasters is a confidence builder, and I have gained better communication skills from my membership." Tony - Past Club President - Retired Engineer
Helene