The best speaking club that I have ever visit! When came to the meeting for the first I had concerns related to my language because English is my second language. All members supported me and encouraged to stay. I see progress in my speaking skills with every meeting. The main idea of this particular club - no topic is taboo. I like this very much because we can discuss a lot of topic and listen other other points of view. read more

The Contrarians Toastmasters - Social Clubs Near Me - Irvine, California

I have been to other toastmaster clubs and this one by far is one of the best...if not THE best in the area. Here are a couple of things that really made this club special. 1st thing is that everyone is so welcoming. The very first time I visited this club I felt extremely welcomed. 2nd thing is that this club is not afraid to talk about any topic. They really live by their motto "No topic is taboo" because I heard speeches and talks on very controversial topics such as politics, religion, and sex to name a few. What is remarkable though is how everyone is so respectful of other people's opinion that the club really creates a safe space to talk about anything. 3rd thing is that the members are very diverse from age, race, gender, occupation, family, recreation. There are young 25 yr olds all the way to 65+ both male and female that are engineers, sales, c level executives, students, entrepreneurs, single, married, kids, no kids, as wells as people from all the continents (except Antarctica...nobody really lives there). If anything just visit the club and see what it's all about. read more

Public speaking has occupied on my list of goals for the longest time. I've been dreading it because it makes me extremely uncomfortable; but I realized I have a bigger fear of remaining the same and living in that fear for the rest of my life. I decided I couldn't run away from it anymore. It's always scary and nerve wrecking speaking for the first time and it may feel like that a few times. But it's like a muscle, you have to exercise it often. Eventually you'll get more comfortable with practice and repetition. It doesn't get easier, you just get better. Everyone comes in with some kind of fear so you're not alone. The Contrarians are so supportive and friendly. They are certainly an eclectic and diverse group. They know how to make you feel welcomed and they take the time to talk and get to know you. You can feel the sense of community instantly from the moment you walk in. It is a great learning environment. They actively listen to every speaker and give helpful feedback. As they say, "No topic is taboo". Self development is an integral component in my life. I'm so addicted to growing and seeing changes within myself. It's not about how good you are, but how good you want to be. The willingness to learn is a CHOICE. You get what you put into it. So choose to go out of your comfort zone. Choose to be better. You won't regret it. Definitely stop by for a visit! read more

Google maps gave me perfectly accurate directions to this TI club "Contrarians", but once I arrived, I was a bit confused to see that the building was a retirement home. I proceeded anyway into the parking lot and took a right instead of left and made every effort to avoid running over the cutest little Asian grandma, who smiled at me and waved like I knew her. I waved back, because that's who I am. I don't care that she's not my grandma, she was sweet and her smile was infectious! The beautifully manicured and well kept building is three stories high and the Contrarians Toastmasters International Club was tucked away on the top floor. I asked for directions from a very helpful and friendly receptionist, signed in and made my way up the elevators. The conference room was decked out with the Toastmaster's International Banner baring the name of the club, the American flag, a miniature red, yellow, green "streetlight", the day's agenda, and forms to critique the speakers and vote for the best speakers of the day. Everything looked in order! I was acknowledged with warm smiles and quietly look my seat in the back. The motto for this TI club I found to be rather intriguing, which is the reason why I found myself displaying rather "capricious" behavior late this afternoon. I had not planned on visiting a Toastmasters club today nor thought about joining one in a few years actually (btw tonight's word of the day, was you guessed it, capricious haha). Sorry off subject, this TI club's motto is: No topic is taboo! Really? OK, I'm there! I'm yours for the night alright! I was not disappointed in the prepared speeches nor the "table topics" (ie impromptu speaking) and the encouragement and suggestions for the speakers was as to be expected, having been involved in another TI club in the past, something I missed hearing really. Unfortunately, in today's dog-eat-dog world and our tendency to expect instant gratification and communication through electronic measures (ie text messaging, cell phone calls, FB and email), it was so refreshing getting to meet new people and actually seeing someone eye-to-eye talk about how vitamins could possibly harm more than help, discussion on how marriage and divorce cost allot of money and how it is a good idea that when you have all the time in the world and the bottomless wallet, to enjoy life and impart a little joy by helping others. Hmmm, money could possibly bring you happiness after all! For the most part, the Contrarians followed basically the same format as my former club with the only twists being that it is not supported by a specific employer, we didn't have a meal at the beginning of the meeting and since this TI club is not a club in a religious, educational institution or place of employment, the weekly topics and prepared speeches could possibly me more risque or adult-only/adult-like topics. On my way out, I asked a few other guests how they liked the meeting, the club, the atmosphere, how they heard about TI and the Contrarians. Most mentioned they heard about TI through word-of-mouth or "meet-up". I myself found this club through, well Yelp and another visitor "Googled it". I was told unanimously how the visitors thoroughly enjoyed the meeting, they felt welcomed, they found the possibility of "taboo" topics to be one of the reasons why they chose to check out THIS club. No promise yet from me, because even thou I LOVE to talk to people, I comfortably do so in very small groups or one-on-one, I tend to be a little shy in LARGE unfamiliar, AND familiar groups like this one. I will think about coming back and will try not to wait another 2 or 3 years! I recommend Toastmaster International Club "Contrarians" to anyone looking to improve their speaking ability or leadership skills! TI is like NO OTHER club out there and for a minimal amount of club fees, you get MORE than your money's worth from this experience! Thumbs up Contrarians! Great job!!! read more

This is the first Toastmasters group I've joined and it's been a great experience. The group is friendly and supportive. They are called the contrarians and they are true to their word when they say no topic is taboo. I highly recommend if you're looking for a fun and professional toastmasters group to join. read more

This group is positive, supportive, fun, and dedicated to excellence in public speaking. It's exciting to see how each of us progresses in our public speaking skills. Whether just beginning, or well advanced, you'll find this club helpful in meeting your public speaking goals. And . . . what makes this club unique is that it invites controversial and unconventional ideas. So you'll become more confident in expressing new ideas boldly within a safe environment. read more

I have enjoyed for many years attending the Contrarian Toastmaster Club. It is a great place to meet interesting people with varying ideas who challenge your thought process. read more

I am so glad that I decided to join this club. I have been proven that I am my worst critic. The support and energy of this club and its members has made me look forward to each meeting, and look forward to participate as I still am trying to fight or manage those butterflies in my stomach. I feel better about myself after each meeting and feel more confident. This is a great group and very organized. read more

This club is made up of a really fun, diverse group of people. After researching various clubs in Orange County, and even visiting a few, I knew after my first Contrarians meeting, it was going to be a great fit. I became a member in February of 2013 and have been thoroughly entertained every week by the "No Topic Is Taboo" themes. This group is lively yet professional, and everyone is very friendly. I learn something new every week and have already gained so much in personal growth in the short time I've been a member. If you're looking for a supportive, fun and versatile Toastmasters club, you've got to stop by and check it out. read more

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to become a member of The Contrarians Toastmasters Club. I handed in my application, paid my dues and continued to watch everyone giving great speeches. I learned about Table Topics, the routines, and enjoyed applauding the speakers. As a guest, I enjoyed immunity which was great! No obligations - just observing, laughing and having a great evening. Nobody had yet told me when my first speech was going to be scheduled, nor did I have my manuals yet, so I figured my "guest" status would last a while. But then..... all of a sudden, during the Table Topics segment, I was invited up to answer a question. "What?" "Me?" "Now?" "I am not prepared!" I knew this moment was going to come but ...not yet! So, I went up to the front and started with excuses, first time etc. I gave a short comment, too short in my opinion, and didn't elaborate as much as I wanted to. What was great, though, was the support I felt. The group made me feel welcome, I felt safe even though it was my first "appearance". On my way back to my chair, I enjoyed the applause and I understand now why we applaud each other. It's a great support! And even though I knew my performance was mediocre, I felt great about myself. One of the reasons I signed up for Toastmasters was to learn impromptu speaking and there I was - up there - and I did it. It was the first step - an exciting experience which made me feel proud. And it triggered something. Now I want to try it again and improve each time I am up there! As you can imagine, this was a truly exciting start into my membership as a Contrarian. I am very thankful for having found such a supportive group and know that The Contrarians can help anyone feel the pride that I felt. read more

Contrarians ~ what can I say about this specific Toastmasters group ~ certainly a lively group / club, definitely has some edge to them (they're all pretty damn sharp), fun & vibrant bunch of people, jovial at times, calculate risk takers, supportive, relaxed, communal, creative, even flow, rustic, eventful, a mildly crazy, with a dash of humor & conservativeness!!! I joined the group 1 year ago and have gotten more out of this club then originally expected. I came back to Toastmasters because I wanted to be a better writer & listener. In coming back, I've gained some really good friends, a couple of business clients, been tested, pushed out of my comfort zone (which is hard to do, cuz I operate outside of my CZ all the time) & have been humbled. I love to talk & even speak (not to be confused with Easy Speak, which is the Toastmasters software platform for tracking everything for their clubs). This past year has exceeded my expectations. I've thoroughly enjoyed the speeches & certainly the table Topics. And I've enjoyed everyone & learning more about each member, during their speeches, as well as in before & after conversations. The feedback, although at times might seem (somewhat, & I say this loosely) harsh, it's always constructive & comes from a good place. If you're looking to IMPROVE, then come check out the Contrarians & partake in the conversations & worst thing that will happen is, you'll have some fun. CHEERS !!!! 5 read more

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This is a great Toastmasters club! The meetings are fun and lively. The members are enthusiastic and supportive.

There are few Toastmasters clubs quite like this one. There's a reason why it's called The Contrarians! What you hear might surprise you, or it might even offend you, but it certainly won't bore you! read more