I visited Toastmasters through the encouragement of my Dale Carnegie collogue Dr. Bill Mitchell. I was working as the secretary and was requested to attend luncheons and chamber events. Dr. Mitchell felt Toastmasters would do wonders for me. I joined the first meeting I attended at Northeast Club 2812, and learned how gaining the skill of public speaking would increase my income – I totally embraced it.
The icebreaker was quit embarrassing and I knew I had a lot of hard work in front of me. I was always prepared with the next speech and started taking opportunities as they appeared outside the club as well. I decided very early I wanted to earn my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM.) Thus I sought mentors to guide me down this path. With mentors in different areas I quickly started moving through the process. Between Toastmasters and my job at Carnegie where I had exposure to highly accomplished public speakers my skills moved forward quickly.
Reaching the designation of DTM in 20 months was both fulfilling and disappointing. The journey had been amazing, filled with life shaping events and tremendous growth; “now what?” was the thought that crossed my mind most often. With some reflection and guidance I started mentoring others down the path of DTM and started a youth leadership program with a local school. Within Toastmasters there is always room to grow and help others no matter what educational level you have achieved.
I now own my own public speaking seminar company. Without Toastmasters I never would have had the skill or courage to consider such an endeavor. Visitors always ask me what they will get out of Toastmasters and my reply is always the same “As much as you put into it!”
Melanie Fatuesi, DTM
Joined Toastmasters Jan 2013
Awarded DTM Sept 2014
