Improve your
communication and leadership skills
in a safe and supportive environment

Meet Our Members

Joe Iliff

I joined Fast Forward Communicators and Toastmasters in September 2006. Most of the jobs I’ve held have involved some regular public speaking, but I never received much formal training on the subject. I learned the public speaking skills I had the hard way. Some call it “trial and error”, but for me “crash and burn” might be more appropriate. In 2006, I ended up in a job where I didn’t have that regular public speaking opportunity anymore, and found I actually missed it!

To keep my good skills sharp, and to learn the techniques I didn’t know, I looked to Toastmasters and found Fast Forward Communicators. After attending a meeting as a guest, I knew there was something there for me. I wanted enough structure that there were specific goals to achieve. But I also wanted a comfortable environment that was enjoyable, not just instruction and repetition. Fast Forward Communicators provides both.

I signed up, and quickly found myself incorporated into the group. Very soon I gave my first speech to the group, about me of course, and the instant feedback from my evaluator that night was most valuable. In prepared speeches, in impromptu speaking, in contributing to meetings, in leading meetings, and in evaluating others’ performances, the theories behind effective public speaking and organized leadership became real to me. Within just a few weeks, I learned more about myself, I became more comfortable in front of an audience, and I started helping others.

None of this is to say I’ve learned it all already. It is very appealing to me that as I complete one goal, another one is waiting. I can be patient, but I do not like limbo, helplessly waiting not knowing what is next. In Fast Forward and Toastmasters, after I learn one skill, I have repeated opportunities to practice it while learning the next one, or next few! The pace of my development, and how far I go is up to me, with a supportive environment of fellow members. I learn from the contributions they make, and make a contribution to their learning. And, of course, best of all, while growing in a structured environment, I actually have fun doing it! Fast Forward Communicators meetings are productive, rewarding, AND enjoyable. Can’t beat that!

Vickie Penney, DTM