Scripps Outstanding Speakers Toastmasters

I have been a member of SOS Toastmasters for three years and can say that this club is amazing! We consistently achieve President’s Distinguished Status, Toastmaster International’s highest club rating, year after year. Most importantly, we focus on having fun, being relaxed and continually striving to make the club better.
Top three characteristics of SOS Toastmasters:
— Friendly and supportive. I was really, truly terrible at public speaking when I joined SOS Toastmasters, and yet effective public speaking is one of the most important skills for being successful in my career. Finding a place where I could not only practice but master the art of public speaking from helpful and supportive people (who quickly became good friends) was all I needed. Now I feel completely comfortable speaking in front of anyone, whether its a technical presentation or a family gathering, and I always receive positive feedback.
— Diverse. Over half of the members have only been living in the U.S. for a few years or less, so there is a lot of international exchange and sharing of cultures. Makes for interesting speeches! Also makes it a great place for people who have English as a second language — no reason to be intimidated as many members are in the same position. At the same time, I am a native-​born American and feel challenged at every meeting.
— Scientifically minded. Its location attracts graduate students, postdocs, and support staff from Scripps, as well as other local scientists and engineers.

I have been a member of SOS Toastmasters for 1.5 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! SOS Toastmasters is fun, friendly and supportive. We have both national and international members with a variety of backgrounds such as postdocs and grad students, admins, HR personnel, and civil engineers.
The SOS meetings are without a doubt my highlight of the week! I love to interact with my fellow members while learning valuable speaking and leaderships skills. I would highly recommend SOS Toastmasters to anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills.