I joined Toastmasters in May 2023 because, while I already had some limited experience in public speaking, I knew there was always room for improvement. I’ve always been inspired by speakers who can captivate an audience with ease, telling stories that stay with you long after they leave the stage. I wanted to push myself to that next level.

What stood out to me about Toastmasters was the emphasis on growth, no matter where you start. From day one, I found myself surrounded by individuals who were just as driven to improve. The feedback I’ve received has been insightful and constructive, helping me refine the little things that make a big difference in how I connect with an audience.

Toastmasters has shown me that there’s always more to learn, and that’s what keeps me coming back—this constant pursuit of excellence and the support of a community that’s committed to helping each other succeed.

I joined toastmasters after two friends recommended it. On my first visit I knew that I was in the right place. It felt comfortable as I was surrounded by like-minded people. That was 18 years ago and I am still enjoying every minute of it.

People expect to gain speaking skills when becoming a Toastmaster member, but I didn’t realise at the time that there would be so much more. Before I joined Toastmasters my concentration levels were quite low and my mind would wander in meetings. That doesn’t happen now and I am more engaged most of the time.

Being an active member of a club has helped me practice my interpersonal and leadership skills. 

Other members give constructive feedback on my speeches which is invaluable. 

As we generally speak on our favourite topics, I often learn new things  from those speakers that I didn’t appreciate before.

I have also made friends.

I finally joined Toastmasters in 2015 – after thinking about it for 4 years! 

In hindsight, the skills I have gained in speaking at meetings and through leadership roles I have held within the District would have definitely been game changers for my corporate career progression if I had been a member of a Toastmasters club early in my career.  

It’s never too late to start and I learn something new at every meeting.  Plus, the added bonus is that in a club you are surrounded by like-minded people who want to improve their skills and are very supportive. My recommendation to all is to just show up at a meeting, join in, and start your journey to excellence in public speaking.

My journey with Toastmasters began in June 2022 to improve my public speaking skills and win my fear of speaking in front of a large audience. 

At Burnham Speakers, I found an exceptionally supportive and joyful community where I can experiment, learn, and enhance my public speaking abilities. Each meeting, each role I've taken on, and each speech I've delivered at Burnham Speakers has been a stepping stone, boosting my confidence and capability to communicate effectively. The encouragement and constructive feedback from fellow members have been pivotal in gradually transforming the intimidating prospect of public speaking into an enjoyable experience.

As a Burnham Speakers Toastmasters member since November 2022, I embarked on a new leadership role around that time. Recognizing the importance of becoming a more engaging and self-assured public speaker to excel in my new position, I sought inspiration from seasoned speakers on platforms like TED talks and podcasts. I marvelled at their ability to craft their words into compelling narratives, exude confidence, and deliver their messages with clarity and a well-paced voice.

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Through my research on public speaking skills, I came to understand that confidence in public speaking is a skill that can be cultivated through learning and consistent practice.

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My journey led me to the Toastmasters International website, where I was captivated by member testimonials. Convinced that Toastmasters could provide me with the opportunity to enhance my confidence and refine my public speaking abilities, I joined Burnham Speakers. It has proven to be one of the most valuable investments I've made in myself, and I am grateful for the growth and improvement it has facilitated in my public speaking journey.

I want to share with you a personal journey that led me to join Toastmasters in August 2023. Like many people, I have faced my fair share of challenges when it comes to public speaking. Whether it was anxiety of presenting in front of a group or the struggle to articulate my thoughts clearly, I often found myself avoiding it altogether and wishing for more confidence and skill in this area. 

I joined Toastmasters because I recognised the importance of effective communication not just in a professional setting but in everyday interactions and I wanted a supportive environment to practice and grow.

I found Burnham speakers to be an excellent club providing the right environment for me to commence by journey of personal growth. Additionally, I was drawn to the idea of connecting with a diverse group of individuals with a shared goal to better themselves. Burnham speakers foster a sense of community & I leave each session inspired by what others share.

I would urge you to come & visit our club as a guest for free and experience an evening at Burnham speakers, it is truly remarkable.

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