What our members have to say .....
The three day course has been very well thought out and delivered. The whole training has been a pleasure and I'm looking forward to my first event.
Thank you particularly to Richard & Linda also those others that have given me the benefit of their roles. David Court, Alain Heaysman, Adrian Hayes, Garry Smith and Sam Dimond P.N.G. Wilmslow, Cheshire
Having now got back to Devon I felt that I just had to write to thank you for the brilliant four days spent with you training as a toastmaster in the English Toastmasters Association.
Your teaching methods might be considered by some to be unorthodox, but what matters of course are results, and results that leave one fired up and wanting more. To my mind the approach to training that you take is far better than a more formal presentation of facts and figures with an examination at the end.
The training for the English Toastmasters Association of course did not stop there but continued over the lovely lunches that we had with other toastmasters from the English Toastmasters Association, during which I had the benefit of their knowledge and experience, and here I would also wish to express my thanks for the invaluable help and advice that I received from David, Andrew and of course Linda.
With the four days culminating in the Trafalgar Day lunch, and the time spent with the other toastmasters in the Association, during which I received my formal welcome into the Association and the presentations of certificates of training, I left to return to Devon knowing that I was now involved with a very professional organisation that was committed to providing the very best of care to its customers, and care that is to the very highest of standards.
Richard, all I can do to end here is to say a very big thank you to you, and that I am extremely pleased to be associated with the the English Toastmasters Association and all that it stands for. Kind regards to both you and Linda Allen Stockell, Devon
What can I say? I found the format very easy to work with. The time spent with Richard, Linda, Dave and Sam was some of the most informative, helpful and fulfilling training and support I have ever recieved. I look forward to spending much more time with these lovely people! Rodger DG Knight, Tintinhull, Somerset
A later email was recieved on 10th October which reads: Just a note to say a massive thank you for the training I received from your good self and The English Toastmasters Association. The biggest compliment I can give you is that everyone I meet when in unifom has commented on how natural, confident and happy I come across. This can only be down to you guys giving me the confidence and support in the first place, thank you!
I'm not stopping yet. Not only did I receive excellent toastmaster training, but also the advice on optimising my website has resulted in 'Somerset Toastmaster' appearing on page 1 of Google within 3 weeks. Remember my non existent 'Smile' website? Well, after following your advice, 'Smile' is also appearing on page 1 or 2 of Google! Yet more proof that the training and support you offer really works! Keep up the fantastic work my friend! Rodger DG Knight, Tintinhull, Somerset
After three days of intensive, stimulating and motivational training with Richard, I can honestly say that this was the most enjoyable and successful course I have ever attended. The 'one to one' basis works brilliantly, as it allows questions as we work ( and I had plenty! ) The DVD films of weddings with toastmasters working in ' real life ' situations, was invaluable.
Meeting with other professionals was also invaluable and the attention given to detail was so helpful. Add this to the support and advice on the importance of website marketing, I feel fired up and rearing to go!
Thank you Richard for all your help - I will do my best to be a great toastmaster - a member of The English Toastmasters Association. Paul Watling, Bromley Kent
A follow up e-mail from Paul reads as follows Thank you for today's meeting, and my feedback will be sent to you in the post.Though I am very new to the profession and to the ETA, it is your professionalism and enthusiasm that has been a real inspiration to me and simply confirmed that my decision to invest in the ETA was the right one. Look forward to seeing everyone at the Trafalgar Day event. Paul
A kind thank you email from Mark arrived on Thursday 14th October 2010 and reads: Hello Ricahrd, Just a short message to say thank you. I became a member of The English Toastmasters Association in August 2010. On Sunday 10th October I attended my first wedding fayre. At first I was a little nervous and watched brides walk past my stand with no interest. I thought, well this is never going to work, so I stepped back and thought "how would Richard do this...", well it worked. Even having another older more establised toastmaster at the same venue - charging a lot less than me, I feel that the feedback from brides at what I and our Association could provide them, we won hands down. No contest.
So it is with heartfelt thanks to you Richard, for all your hard work and teaching, a very big thank you. Yours Respectfully Mark H Wilding - A proud member of The English Toastmasters Association.
I was made to feel at home. The help and support I have received, words cannot describe my thanks. I must express my gratitude and deepest thanks for all the hard work, time and commitment you showed me over the last few days. It will never be forgotten and I hope that all your hard work will be recognised and that my achievements can go some way to help this. Best wishes Mark Wilding M.E.T.A. (and proud) Melksham, Wiltshire
I feel very confident that I will progress as a toastmaster both in the amount of work I do and level of performance. Thank you for a wonderful highly productive 24 hours. Roger Holmes, Isle of Wight after his Alignment Day to join our Association.
Training to become a toastmaster with Richard Palmer at the English Toastmasters Association may best be described as informative, intensive and supportive.
The training left me with the feeling that " I want to get started now - tomorrow ".
The training prepares you for being the best professional toastmaster that clients are ever likely to meet. When the training is completed, Richard and the English Toastmasters Association continue with the support in every aspect of being a professional events and wedding toastmaster.
To sum up the training, a comment at the end of the day from a recent wedding, made by a bride's maid to me was, " Alain, I was anti toastmasters and saw no need for them at a modern day wedding - you have changed my mind." Well what can I say - it must be the training! Alain Heaysman, Chelmsford Essex
I don't see any changes that could possibly make this course any better. Best three days training I've ever had in 30 years of business. Brilliant. I have learnt more than I thought I ever would in such a short time. Keep up the good work. Michael Kellett, Wakefield, Yorkshire
The course was conducted in comfortable surroundings and was well structured. It was very helpful to meet other toastmasters and colleagues. Vanessa King, Surrey
Don't change anything but please don't get me so excited about toastmastering that I can't sleep before the next day of the course. Thanks again for a fantastic learning experience. Brian Crockett, West Midlands
Excellent three days, I would not change anything - for me, it suited my style of learning. Stephen Gregory, Essex
Don't change the way they you deliver your courses, although very intense I imagine you would not receive the practical, visual and off site training with any other association. Thank you Andrew West Dorset
Outstanding course, well worth every penny, my thanks to Richard for his time and training he gave me for toastmastering. Many thanks, I am so happy to have become a member of the English Toastmasters Association. Jude Garland Faversham, Kent
The course content was fully covered in a very friendly and informative manner (time taken to meet any queries). A pleasure to meet other related people like photographers, toastmasters and venue organisers. Thoroughly interesting, the three days flew by and the assistance with my web site was invaluable. It was a pleasure to have attended the training course as it exceeded my expectations and provided a much greater insight into the role of the toastmaster which is down to the quality of the trainer. I look forward to meeting other toastmasters in the near future. Thank You Jim Jardine Wales
Perfect delivery in a relaxed manner, just what I like. Excellent Ronald Greenfield Louisiana USA
First class training by a very impressive professional body. C. W. Essex
The course is delivered in a relaxed one to one atmosphere with a personal insight to the profession. The back up and training is amazing and makes you feel part of a team, camaraderie is probably the word, giving you the confidence to do the job, excellent tuition, thank you for the course. Graham Skingley Suffolk
Professionally presented course in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Superbly supported by Lindsey and Linda. This course has given me the confidence to offer a more professional service to future clients. A pleasurable experience throughout. Many thanks to you Richard Roy Timms Bicester Oxford
Need more time, Richard Palmer is a good instructor and will also listen and answer questions honestly. Barry W Gilden Florida USA
I believe the course fulfilled my objectives. It was well paced and passionately delivered by Richard. The DVD's show real life weddings. These were especially helpful. The course is not only about delivering toastmaster services, but more importantly about delivering with care for the client. MW, Yorkshire
Thank you for sharing experiences, in a very relaxed and informative yet positive manner. MC
A follow up e-mail arrived 28th February 2009 from Mike and reads as follows;- Hi Richard and Linda Just wanted to say a formal and sincere thanks for a smashing, informative and well run induction course. It was a real pleasure to meet with you both and share your toastmaster experiences and indeed reap the rewards of your experience and advice. It was great to gain the knowledge in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, whilst also enjoying meeting various members and trade partners. I am so looking forward to getting started, and will strive to continually reach ongoing excellence for the benefit of my clients. Finally , I would be most pleased if you would pass my thanks also to Lindsey, for her charm and endless cuppa's. Thanks again, Kind Regards Mike
Hugely informative and fantastic fun. You've put a huge amount of yourself - energy, knowledge and personality into these last three days. Thank you ever so much. Nick Lawler Cumbria
A follow up e-mail from Terry arrived 13th December and reads as follows;- Richard's style of one2one training is excellent. His mix of topics matched my desire to learn as much as I could within the limited time frame. Richard's vast experience shows through by the way he imparts knowledge as only a Master of his profession can. Meeting other Toastmasters (Andrew Morgan and Garry Smith) was very beneficial as indeed was meeting his wife Linda an events manager and David Court a highly reputable wedding photographer. Being able to talk frankly about the business with all these people only enhanced the quality of this course. Thank you again Richard for your wonderful hospitality as well as your patience in helping to steer me through the intricacies of such an excellent profession. Thanks also to Lindsey for her never ending cups of well needed refreshment. I look forward to meeting you all again. Terry
Richard, Many thanks for a fantastic day with you, I have gained so much in a short space of time. R.A. Berkshire One day Alignment Course for experienced toastmaster joining the English Toastmasters Association.
Having made enquiries with a number of organisations, I found you to be the most responsive to my enquiry. You clearly have a wealth of information that you are happy to impart. The one to one suited my needs brilliantly and to my timescale. I came with great expectations - I left overwhelmed with the amount of information & support at my disposal. I am proud to have joined such a well organised Association. G. S. Bedfordshire
Richard is an inspirational teacher who is a master of his craft and he has filled me with absolute enthusiasm for my new career as a Toastmaster. Kevin Goodwin Lancashire
A follow up e-mail arrived 31st October 2008 from Kevin reads as follows
Hi Richard, As you know, two months ago I developed an interest in becoming a Toastmaster and searched the internet looking for the best way forward to pursue this. That search produced numerous options in terms of Toastmaster organisations and training courses. However, after you made contact and we spoke my instinct, not always reliable, told me that The English Toastmasters Association was the way to go.
Having spent four exhilarating days being trained by you my instinct has, for once, been proved right. It has been an absolute privilege to spend time with such a modern and professional master of his craft as yourself whose ebullient enthusiasm for the role is so highly infectious. I emphasise the word modern because I think that you take Toast mastering out of the 19th Century and in to the 21st Century.
I came to you knowing nothing about the role and in three intensive days you have, through a brilliant combination of visual, practical and on site training combined with face to face meetings with key players in the wedding business left me the skills to make a flying start to my own Toastmaster's career. Not only that, but your expert advice on marketing my services is invaluable. Thank you hardly suffices.
I am also extremely grateful to Linda and especially Lindsey(?) for their kindness and the care they took of me, whilst I was with you and please pass on my thanks. I will personally contact Andrew and Garry to thank them directly.
Finally, you can rest assured that I will wear the badge of The English Toastmasters Association with extreme pride and just hope that I prove to be worthy of it. Kind Regards Kevin
Excellent course - did not want it to end. I feel I have hit the ground running, through excellent tuition given. Michael O'Rourke
Excellent course. Commitment shown in passing over the knowledge is second to none. One to one relationship is a major benefit because you have individual attention and full concentration to get the best results. I now feel very confident that I can deliver excellent service to my clients. T.S. Essex
My sincere thanks for an excellent three days. My head is still buzzing and I am feeling enthusiastic and ready to go. The manner in which you have approached the course is relaxing and is conducted at a comfortable pace. The course is well delivered and informative. It makes learning a pleasure. The DVD's are extremely helpful. I have seen the work of a toastmaster from a new perspective which I will endeavour to practice in the future. I have high standards to work to! Geoffrey Cornwell West Sussex
Excellent - The ability to compare the good, bad and absolute professional was essential. Excellent!! Many useful hints, tips - great. Ted Prior Essex Half day refresher course for experienced member.
An excellent course. The one to one course is very flexible and adaptable and met my needs fully. A very satisfying and fulfilling three days, which has inspired me to become an effective toastmaster for my clients. Malcolm Brown Devon
The course was a wonderful insight into the arts and skills required to become a successful toastmaster. I hadn't realised the importance of strategic alliances with other core workers within the wedding industry, and also how little of the role is actually making announcements!
The valuable advice concerning marketing and sales strategies was a completely new ball game to me and you led me through that particular minefield with extreme patience, wisdom and good grace! The whole course was delivered in a relaxed though professional manner, I particularly enjoyed the interaction with the other toastmasters, meeting David, Jennifer and Linda, the lunches and visiting the venues. I am extremely grateful to you, proud to be a member of the ETA.
I found the course interesting, informative and presented in a very personal manner. The one to one format is conducive to ensuring that Richard was able to see that each issue was understood before moving on to the next. Visits to venues and having lunch together also made the learning process more pleasurable. I do not believe that the course could have been presented any better and leave it enthusiastic and confident. Thank you Richard.
A further comment from John, several months after the course, "I am very happy with the reaction of clients to the way I have been taught to go about my business". John Churches
Richard obviously tailors information and needs delivery to suit candidates' abilities. An excellent course where I gained everything I required to give excellent service. Terry Hughes Dorset
As a member of the teaching profession for over 30 years I was very impressed by Richard's teaching style, which was both relaxed and thorough. At no time did he cast himself in the role of "expert", but, instead, he guided and mentored me through the course on equal terms, encouraging me to bring out and develop my own gifts and talents. At the same time, there was enough rigour during the training to ensure that all of the essential details were covered and that I felt equipped to further my career as a toastmaster.
It was a privilege to be able to shadow Richard in action at a wedding and to be present at an actual meeting with clients. This provided much more insight into the realities of the job as toastmaster than any amount of classroom based theory could afford.
I now feel that I am a member of the best professional organisation for toastmasters that there is, and that Richard is a senior "partner" in the full sense of the word. Thank you Richard for your friendship, conscientious example and consummate professionalism. Adrian Hayes
The delivery of information suited my particular learning style and was very effective. The course was not only informative but was also a pleasure to attend. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and hope that the relationship forged will continue to grow and become stronger. M.G.
The three day course is an excellent grounding for toastmasters. The course was delivered in a thorough and professional manner with the focus on the client being an important theme running through the various topics. Additionally, being able to meet Front of House management is exceptionally useful as this provides understanding of their expectations. Andrew Morgan Essex
The course was very helpful and informative in detail. John Quinton-Navarro Hertfordshire
Thank you for your hospitality, openness, absolute professionalism and knowledge sharing. Peter Cashmore
Excellent course, relaxed atmosphere, very good value. A pleasure to have been part of the training course. James Lark Kent
Very enjoyable, informative course, delivered in a relaxing way. B C Dorset
I think that the format was excellent. Clearly has the flexibility to meet individual needs. A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and helpful experience and has whet my appetite for toast mastering duties. THANK YOU. John Turner Yorkshire
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