"My First Toastmasters Meeting: What I Didn’t Expect (But Needed to Learn)"

Intro: “Joining Toastmasters was a decision I made because I wanted to improve my speaking skills. But nothing really prepared me for that first meeting. Honestly, I was a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect. In today’s episode, I’ll take you through how my first Toastmasters meeting felt — and the things I didn’t expect that changed my perspective entirely.”

1. The First Impression:

When I first walked into the Toastmasters room, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The nerves hit hard, and I found myself wondering if I was even prepared for this. After all, public speaking wasn’t just something I had always done — it was something I was still learning to navigate. I’d heard that Toastmasters was a welcoming environment, but there’s always that initial doubt when entering a new space, right?

The room was buzzing with conversation, laughter, and the smell of fresh coffee. There were people of all ages, from various backgrounds, and it was immediately clear that this was a place where learning, personal growth, and community took centre

stage. As I stood at the entrance, I hesitated for a moment, looking around, unsure of how to fit in. I quickly realized that everyone there was focused on improving themselves. That sense of camaraderie made the nerves a little easier to manage.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of the formality of the meeting. Would it be rigid and serious? Would people be overly formal, or would they be friendly and casual? To my surprise, it was a bit of both — structured, but with a welcoming, supportive vibe that made it feel less intimidating. This was going to be a space where I could not only learn but also find encouragement, regardless of where I was on my speaking journey.

2. The Structure:

Now, here’s where things got interesting. I thought I was walking into just another typical meeting where people speak and get feedback — but I had no idea how Toastmasters was structured. From the start, I learned there was a clear, purposeful flow to the meeting that made the process not only efficient but also incredibly engaging.

First, they had the Table Topics section — spontaneous speaking where participants are given a random prompt and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes. Initially, I thought this part would be a little awkward, especially for new members, but it was a chance for everyone to practice thinking on their feet. It wasn’t about having a perfect speech — it was about learning to speak with confidence, structure, and clarity under pressure.

Next was the prepared speeches section, which I thought would be more like a classroom presentation, but it was way more than that. Everyone had a unique, personal story to tell. And it wasn’t just about how well you spoke — it was about what you shared and how you made it resonate with others. Watching seasoned Toastmasters speak, I realized the power of storytelling and the way it could create a connection, not just with an audience but with oneself.

But the part that struck me the most was the evaluation segment. After every speech, the speaker would receive feedback from their fellow Toastmasters. This wasn’t about criticism or judgment. It was constructive, kind, and incredibly insightful. The evaluators didn’t just focus on what went wrong, but on what went right and how to improve. This feedback wasn’t just about public speaking techniques — it was about becoming a better communicator in all areas of life. The culture of positive reinforcement was apparent from the very first meeting, and that was something I didn’t expect.

3. Your First Speech (or Icebreaker):

Ah, the dreaded first speech. I had heard about the famous Icebreaker Speech — a short, introductory speech to tell the group a little bit about yourself. It sounded simple enough, but as the day approached, I began to feel a rising sense of anxiety. I had no idea how people would perceive me, whether they would think I was competent or nervous. I wasn’t even sure what to talk about! What’s the right way to introduce myself to a room full of strangers?

When it was finally my turn to speak, I walked to the front, heart racing. My mind went blank for a second, but I reminded myself that I wasn’t here to be perfect — I was here to practice, learn, and grow. I smiled, took a deep breath, and started talking. The speech itself wasn’t flawless, but that wasn’t the point. The key was pushing myself to speak in front of people, to communicate confidently, and to tell my story without fearing judgment.

What really surprised me during my first Icebreaker was how supportive everyone was. I had expected some nervous glances or awkward silences, but instead, I saw smiles, encouraging nods, and even some applause. When I finished, I felt relieved, but also more connected to everyone in the room. It was the start of something much bigger than just overcoming a fear of public speaking — it was the beginning of a journey toward personal growth and leadership.

4. What You Didn’t Expect:

If I’m being honest, there were a lot of things I didn’t expect from Toastmasters. Initially, I thought it was just a place to sharpen my speaking skills — but I quickly realized that it was so much more. Toastmasters aren’t just about standing in front of an audience; it’s about developing leadership skills, building confidence, and becoming a more effective communicator in all aspects of life.

One thing I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn about leadership. Toastmasters is a space that encourages everyone to take on different leadership roles within the club. From being the Toastmaster of the Day to running a Table Topics session or giving evaluations, I found that leadership isn’t about title — it’s about action, responsibility, and creating a positive impact within your community. These were the real-life skills I hadn’t anticipated learning.

Another surprise was how quickly I began to apply what I learned in Toastmasters outside the club. The skills I developed — from organizing my thoughts to structuring a clear message and speaking with confidence — started to show up in my personal and professional life. I found myself speaking up in meetings, taking on more leadership roles at work, and even navigating difficult conversations with greater ease.

5. The Immediate Impact:

By the time my first Toastmasters meeting ended, I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. I was exhausted because I had pushed myself out of my comfort zone but exhilarated because I had faced my fears and come out stronger. I knew there was so much more to learn, but that first meeting had planted a seed — a seed of growth, possibility, and the idea that I could actually become a better communicator and leader.

As I left the room, I couldn’t help but feel motivated to attend the next meeting and the one after that. Toastmasters had shown me that speaking wasn’t just about delivering a message — it was about sharing who I am, inspiring others, and growing with them in the process.