I visited a handful of clubs and couldn’t decide which to join. I ended up meeting a friend, who works for the PUC. When I told her I had visited the Puc(k)sters club, she said “That’s a group of really nice people.” That was the clincher for me and I have found it in spades. I like how the club has high standards, but is not uptight about how they go about things. I like the diversity in our club and how we have long-term members, who lend a lot of support to the newer members. We laugh a lot and really like each other. Gretchen Thometz

I joined Puc(k)sters Toastmasters club eight years ago. Being a member, but most importantly, an officer has helped me enrich my communication, presentation, and leadership skills. I was afraid of public speaking, like everyone else, but being a member gave me the opportunity to practice with genial fellow Toastmasters. I enjoy preparing for a speech and delivering it, but even more so getting feedback from a receptive group. I have learned to practice thinking on my feet by participating in the Table Topics speech program, which is a spontaneous speech from 1 to 2 minutes on a surprise topic. I also have strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills with my family and friends. Carmen Rocha

I joined Toastmasters in 2000 in Atlanta, GA, at Hillside Toastmasters. I first attended because I wanted to improve my presentation skills for my job. I found myself among like minds, because everyone was there to improve their communication skills as well. I got involved by moving up in the rank of officers, eventually becoming president. This was possible because I had coaches and mentors that helped me along my path.

After moving to California in 2018, I started looking for local Toastmasters clubs. After visiting a few other clubs, several of which didn't seem to accept visitors. I decided on Puc(K)sters Toastmasters club because of the friendly atmosphere, the well-structured meetings, the interesting and knowledgeable members and the convenient location. Melvin Nibbs.