Here we ask members to write a small piece to describe their feelings about Toastmasters, our club or their own journey.
Luisa December 2, 2025
Welcome to Toastmasters: My Journey to Refining Communication Skills
I joined in early 2023, so it has been close to 2 years now. The first time I joined Toastmasters was when I realised the potential of this club to help me speed up refining my communication skills in a new country.
Not long after I joined, a friend offered me an opportunity to speak on a professional panel at a local community event. Honestly, back then, I was still questioning my communication skills, especially verbally, as I didn’t come from an English-speaking country.
My husband, who joined another Toastmasters club earlier than me, advised me to reach out to Robyn Richards, the founder and Mentor of our club. I shared my draft with her, and she provided me with practical advice.
Exploring Public Speaking
I dared to push myself outside of my comfort zone to explore public speaking, noticing its potential to help me build my brand in this new environment. God opened my way, and I was selected to join Project F within a community network. I was given a set of of training modules, and a chance to speak at a conference at the end of the program.
How Toastmasters Helped Me
Joining Toastmasters every week is like attending a gym for my speaking skills or communication skills in general. Here are some practical examples:
- Being the Toastmaster at our club meetings prepared me to be an MC at any event, and this has been proven useful as I become more confident and better.
- Doing speeches trains me to establish a clear structure for speeches or any topic I need to share.
- Doing evaluations trains me to always be ready to give feedback in a positive manner and providing the person with valuable improvement opportunities.
- Presenting Table Topics helps me to think on my feet and construct impromptu answers in a structured way.
The Power of Regular Practice
Receiving and applying feedback helps me refine bits and pieces of communication, such as eliminating inadequate connecting words, unnecessary body gestures, and utilising vocal variety and body language. I believe these skills can only be refined through regular practice, which is why Toastmasters is like my gym for communication skills.
My Journey So Far
I am thrilled to share that I am far more confident now and committed to undertaking opportunities that lie ahead. I have presented as an MC five times in my professional work, spoken at three conferences professionally, and been prepared not only with skills but also mentally to pursue opportunities.
A Message to the Reader
I hope this inspires you. If you have been in Toastmasters before but have not experienced the benefits like mine, I hope this gives you ideas to try again. If you have not been in Toastmasters, I hope this triggers your motivation to start. Your growth is worth it!
Robyn January 26, 2025
Happy Australia Day Everyone!!!
Wishing you all a sensational day today as we reflect on & celebrate Our great nation.
For me, I was born here, and the more I’ve travelled overseas, the more appreciative I am of the place I call home. We have such great camaraderie & friendship, amazing landscapes to explore & geographical remoteness to protect us from so many threats the rest of the world suffers from.
I know many of you have emigrated here, whether that was your parent’s decision or your own, I’m sure it was for better opportunities for you or your children. Australia has whatever the search was for & most Aussies are grateful for the threads your culture has added to the fabric of Australian life.
Our club is a microcosm of that & we’re grateful for each of you & your addition to the fabric of our club. Whether you were born here or emigrated here, you are an Aussie legend!
Crack out the beers, Prosecco, prawns & pavlova, throw a snag on the barbie or share with friends & family whatever is your customary celebratory fare & join me in celebrating & appreciating Aus!
Happy Australia Day 2025 🍻🍾🥂🍤🥗🍣
Cheers,
Robyn