How Toastmasters helped Paul Noor Realize His Dreams

by Paul Peterzell, ACB

He came to this country without speaking English and having a major speech impediment, stuttering. The odds were stacked against him to realize his dreams.  But, failure was not an option for Paul Noor;  Toastmasters helped him realize his dreams and overcome his obstacles.

Paul Noor

Paul’s book, “Please Marry My Wife,” (self published) details his upbringing in Iran and battling with stuttering beginning at age 3. In high school Paul could barely speak a sentence without stuttering.  A strong work ethic and desire to overcome his obstacles catapulted Paul to a journey in which he grew a successful construction business. Toastmasters played a crucial role in helping Paul practice his speaking skills and develop confidence. His new communication skills allowed his income to grow 50% after being in Toastmasters two years. “People around me noticed changes in my speaking and commented on how much I improved,” he explained.

He approached the idea of joining Toastmasters with some trepidation, visiting his first club five times. “Every time I sat by the exit door; I just wanted to make sure that if it got scary, I could run out,” Noor explains in the book.  His first club in California took him under their wing and provided the feedback to help him get better. ‘In the first year, I even won the speech contest at our club.” Paul states. He went on to join four clubs, including an advanced club.

When the building industry collapsed, Paul had a dream to become a professional speaker.  With the confidence and skills gained from Toastmasters, Paul now speaks to audiences of 1,000 or more, including business owners, Fortune 500 Companies, Rotary Clubs, schools, colleges, prisons and churches.

Paul was told that there was no cure for his level of stuttering, yet he became a professional speaker.  Toastmasters surely helped Paul shape his success, overcome stuttering and realize his dreams.  “When you stand up in front of people and speak eloquently, people will respect you. They will listen to you.  They will love to do business with you and follow you as a leader. And that is priceless!!!”