How Toastmasters Changed My Life

Toastmasters literally changed my life.

I used to be terrified of speaking. Terrified of being on stage. Terrified of talking to people, period.

Now I cannot stop talking. At least that is what my wife tells me.

I was first told to join Toastmasters because I was nervous and struggling to communicate at work. Meetings stressed me out. Presenting felt overwhelming. Even speaking up made my heart race.

So I decided to visit a club. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

That one visit turned into six years.

I ended up spending a huge chapter of my life in Toastmasters and even had the opportunity to serve as President of the Buckhead chapter. Looking back, there are three lessons that completely reshaped how I communicate and show up in the world.

The more you practice, the stronger it gets.

Most people think great speakers are born that way. They are not. They are trained. Speaking improves through repetition, discomfort, and consistency.

You do not need a stage to practice. Introduce yourself to a stranger. Speak up in a meeting. Volunteer to share an idea even when your voice shakes. Every rep counts.

People are rarely impacted by your words alone. They are impacted by your delivery.

Learning how to manage your emotions, keep composure, and control your tone matters, especially when communicating bad news. On the flip side, showing excitement and energy when sharing good news signals that you care.

Confidence is felt before it is understood.

Most people join Toastmasters to improve their public speaking.

What keeps them there is the relationships.

There is something about doing something terrifying alongside other people that bonds you quickly. You watch each other struggle, grow, fail, and improve. That shared vulnerability creates real friendships.

We might as well call it trauma bonding.

While that is top of mind, I will leave you with this clip that perfectly captures the experience:

Learning how to speak, manage nerves, and build confidence is one of the most liberating experiences you can have. It changes how you show up at work, in relationships, and in life.

If you are even slightly curious, check it out. Toastmasters clubs exist all over the country. Most cities have dozens.

Find one that fits you.

Until next time.