Mastering My Message: How Toastmasters Helped Shaped My Speaking Journey
I joined the Heart2Heart Toastmasters Club just over a year ago, thinking that public speaking might be an untapped strength of mine. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—facilitator, coach, mediator, and now, a new author—but I had never received formal training in speaking, despite always enjoying addressing groups.
After being interviewed on more than 15 podcasts, I kept hearing from hosts that our conversations were rich and engaging. However, I also noticed a few habits I wasn’t proud of—overusing filler words and occasionally trailing off mid-sentence. That’s when I realized it was time to invest in refining my speaking skills. So, I took a leap and joined Toastmasters.
As an author on a mission to promote my book, RiverLogic: Tools to Transform
Resistance and Create Flow in All of Our Relationships, I knew I wanted to speak more frequently. But I also knew that to do so effectively, I needed guidance and support. I was drawn to Heart2Heart Toastmasters not just by its name (which I loved!), but also because of its unique focus on entrepreneurs. At first, I wasn’t sure it was the right fit—I’m not usually a “joiner”—but I decided to commit to the program, determined to make the most of the opportunity.
My goal was clear: to develop a compelling keynote presentation that connected my book with my personal brand. Fortunately, the club provided ample opportunities to practice. The structured 5-7 minute speeches gave me a perfect framework to organize my thoughts and hone my message.
What I didn’t expect was the generous support from fellow members. I’ve felt such a strong sense of community and encouragement—something invaluable for a solopreneur like me, navigating uncharted waters. This support has become my anchor through a period of significant change and growth.
Since then, I’ve delivered my keynote talk multiple times, and with each presentation, it’s only getting stronger. Every speech offers me the chance to refine my delivery, gaining more confidence and engaging my audience more deeply. One of the club’s members continues to recommend me as a target speaker for other clubs, which has provided additional opportunity for feedback and growth.
Now, my big, audacious goal for the year ahead? A TEDx talk. And honestly, it doesn’t feel as audacious as it once did. Toastmasters has provided me with the support, skill-building, and confidence I needed to make that goal feel not just possible, but within reach. What started as a simple plan to refine my speaking skills has grown into something much more powerful—a community, providing the foundation I need to step out confidently as a speaker. I’m now a passionate advocate for Toastmasters and see firsthand how much support it can offer to others on their journey to grow and expand their reach.