Cumberland Forest Toastmasters Club
District 70, Western Division, Area 52, Club 4009


Would you like to know what being Club Executives entails? Click here for details.

CFTM 2011-2012 Executives

President
Stephen Doyle

<This photo an incentive for Steve to provide one :) details here>
Vice President Education
Darren Gilchrist (AC-S, AL-B)

Darren has been a Toastmaster since October 2002, and has completed his Advanced Communicator Silver (AC-S) award. He is also a Competent Leader (CL). He has previously been President, and taken other numerous CFTM executive roles. In 2007-2008 he was priviledged to be Area 37 Governor. He is also a Club Coach for To Life L'Chaim Toastmasters Club.

"Toastmasters has definitely improved my public speaking skills; educated me on how to conduct meetings more effectively; and increased my leadership abilities. I'd encourage any prospective member to visit us for a meeting! Also for our existing members, I'd strongly recommend they make use of the wider Toastmaster organisation - by attending seminars, conferences, and contests!"

Vice President Membership (VPM)
Lynne Harris (AC-S, AL-B)

Lynne joined Toastmasters in 2006 and was “a very proud old” Area 37 Governor in 2008/09. As part of that role, Lynne visited Cumberland Forest many times and felt very much at home there. Already a member of two other clubs, in 2009, Lynne joined Cumberland Forest.

“I love the youthful exuberance, humour and supportive atmosphere of the Foresters. I’ve learned to be at ease with humour from this lovely bunch of people. I’m eager to introduce many others to the fun side of communication and the naturalness of leadership as VP Membership.”

Lynne has several favourite quotes:
“The purpose of leadership is the formation of more leaders not more followers” – Ralph Nader
“ We learn best in moments of enjoyment” – Ralph C Smedley (founder of Toastmasters) and
“It’s not rocket science” – Anon
Vice President - Public Relations (VPPR)
Sean Wolrige (CC)

Sean Wolrige joined CFTM back in April 2009 and is one of our newest members. In a brave move, Sean completed a year as Vice President of Education. Now he plans a 'rest' with VPPR role.

“Having trialled other clubs first, in the end it was an easy decision to join Cumberland Forest Toastmasters for a number of reasons. Firstly, the earlier time slot was much more convenient for me. Secondly, the group is a much better size than some of the larger clubs as it gives you a chance to speak at every meeting, which is what we are there for. And lastly, the people. Such a friendly, supportive, and non-judgemental group of people. I could not think of a better club to join!”

Sean’s major goals were to overcome his shy nature and learn to speak and think clearly on his feet whilst being the centre of attention. “When I first arrived at Toastmasters you could hardly get boo out of me. Over time I have learnt to feel more comfortable standing in front of a group. This has come with experience and developing the skills that Toastmasters teach which gives you real practical tools to use and make your own at each club meeting but also out there in the work place, social functions and other engagements. It certainly has given me more confidence to handle myself and this has turned my fear around and reduced my anxiety. I don’t run from these situations anymore.".

Assisted by Nalini Kanumury
Treasurer
Vice President Membership (VPM)
Marcel Raffoul (AC-S, AL-B)

Marcel is a long term Cumberland Forest Toastmaster and has lead the club in a number of roles including President, Vice President Education and Vice President Membership.


"I joined CFTM in 2003 as a shy person who's career was going nowhere and boy has that changed my life upside down I'm much more confident personally and professionally and being in Toastmasters tremendously helped my career…

Having better communications skills is not an option is today's world; you'll always find it there on top of every job ad.

In 2003, 3 years after arriving in Australia from a non-English speaking country, I finally realised what my handicap was in progressing my career and that was communication skills…

At first I joined Toastmasters to learn better English but after 1 year I realised I was learning so much more: confidence, humour, thinking on my feet, giving constructive feedback and delivering effective speeches.

But best of all is the camaraderie and the leadership opportunity Toastmasters presented me to manage and then lead the club to success.

Working with members to help them improve their communication skills has been a pleasure and a vindication for me that the program works !

Today I look forward to attending a Toastmaster meeting because it's where I constantly challenge myself to improve; it's the best 2 hours a fortnight anyone can possibly invest on their way towards self-development and a life of fulfilment."

Marcel has made 5 career moves since he joined Toastmasters and now works for Dell as a Sales Effective Manager r Asia Pacific
Secretary
Praveen Aranha

<photo and details here>
Sergeant at Arms
Kate Maclean

<details here>

Assisted by Sonja O'Brien

Sonja has been with CFTM for three years, and has assisted before in the role of Sergent At Arms and was also Treasurer for 2 years!

"I joined Toastmasters develop my public speaking and presentation skills, I know that this will help me in my personal and professional spheres, gaining the confidence required to speak to a room full of people.

I certainly am an advocate for Toastmasters improving all facets of communication and leadership."
Webmaster
Darren Gilchrist

See above
Immediate Past President
Elizabeth-Anne Weaver

Elizabeth-Anne joined Cumberland Forest Toastmasters in May 2007. After doing such a fantastic job in 2008-2009 as Secretary, she continued to do it in 2009-2010. Last year she took on the role of President.

"I was initially attracted to the Cumberland Forest Toastmasters because of its great location - a modern business building Set in a beautiful forest.

My quest was to improve my confidence and effectiveness in public speaking and communicating with my voice generally.

After coming as a guest a few times I soon saw that this friendly club would be the place to nurture my goals of self Improvement.

Since joining CFTM in May 2007 my confidence has certainly grown and with the encouragment and support of members I have Learnt many new valuable skills.

On a larger scale - positive effective communication certainly makes for a more peaceful World and being part of Toastmasters helps us to bring this about.

Happy Communicating"

 


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