Why I Chose Toastmasters (And You Might Want To Too)

It was a quiet moment. Nothing dramatic. No crowds. No podium. Just me, rewatching a clip of myself speaking at a team meeting. I had been tasked to give a short, impromptu update. I thought I did okay — until I saw the playback.

My message was scattered. I jumped between points. I repeated myself. And worst of all, I could see it on my colleagues’ faces — they were polite, but confused.

That was the moment I knew: I needed to become a better speaker. Not for the stage. For everyday life.

So I joined Toastmasters.

I didn’t join to become a motivational speaker. I wasn’t chasing TEDx dreams or viral keynotes. I simply wanted to walk into any room, speak clearly, and leave people with a message that stuck.

In this essay, I want to share why I chose Toastmasters — and why, if you care about leadership, influence, clarity, and confidence — it might be one of the smartest decisions you make.

The Real Problem: We All Think We’re Better Communicators Than We Are

Most people don’t realize how unclear they sound — until they watch themselves.

We speak in half-thoughts. We waffle. We fill the space with ums and ahs. We trail off. We finish a sentence and immediately feel the urge to justify or repeat it.

And in high-pressure moments — the boardroom pitch, the client call, the media interview — all of that gets worse. Our brain races. Our hands sweat. Our message evaporates.

The truth is: clear communication isn’t a talent. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it needs practice, feedback, and repetition.

That’s what Toastmasters offers: a structured environment to grow your communication muscles — one small rep at a time.

Toastmasters Isn’t Just for Speakers — It’s for Leaders

Here’s the thing no one tells you: most leadership problems are communication problems.

The unclear strategy. The misunderstood feedback. The missed expectation. The unmotivated team.

If you can’t communicate clearly — you can’t lead effectively.

I joined Toastmasters because I wanted to lead better.

I didn’t want to be the loudest voice in the room — just the clearest. I didn’t want to dominate meetings — I wanted to land my message with impact.

Leadership isn’t about how many people you manage. It’s about how well you connect, influence, and inspire. That’s where strong communication becomes your edge.

What Toastmasters Actually Looks Like

Let’s break down the myths.

Myth 1: Toastmasters is just for wannabe speakers. Truth: It’s for anyone who wants to improve their speaking and leadership skills.

Myth 2: It’s all formal speeches. Truth: You practice everything from impromptu speaking to structured projects, with live feedback.

Myth 3: It’s intimidating. Truth: It’s one of the most welcoming communities you’ll find.

In a typical meeting, you’ll see:

• Table Topics — Impromptu speaking exercises (great for quick thinking)

• Prepared Speeches — Based on a personal goal or project

• Evaluations — Members give feedback in a kind, constructive way

Every session is a mini masterclass. And the best part? Everyone’s growing together.

What I’ve Learned So Far (And I’m Still Learning)

Since joining, I’ve learned more about communication than I ever did in school.

Here are a few lessons that stand out:

1. Structure Matters More Than You Think Great speakers aren’t winging it. They’re following a structure. Hook, message, supporting points, close. Toastmasters teaches you how to craft a message that lands.

2. Less Is More You don’t need ten points. You need one point, clearly delivered. Simplicity is persuasive.

3. Feedback Is a Gift We avoid feedback because it hurts. But in Toastmasters, it’s framed as growth. The goal is not perfection. It’s progress.

4. Your Voice Is a Tool Pace. Tone. Pauses. These are powerful tools. Toastmasters teaches you how to use them.

5. Confidence Comes from Reps You don’t suddenly wake up confident. You earn it through consistent, small wins.

Who Toastmasters Is Really For

You don’t have to be in leadership to join. But if you want to lead — in any space — it helps.

• You’re a team leader who wants to motivate your people.

• You’re an entrepreneur who needs to pitch and sell.

• You’re a student preparing for real-world impact.

• You’re in client service, sales, consulting, or education.

• Or maybe… you just want to stop feeling like your message never lands.

Toastmasters meets you where you are — and helps you grow from there.

Why Millennials (and Gen Z) Especially Need This

We’re the most connected generation — but not always the clearest communicators.

We’re glued to screens. Used to chatting in short bursts. We cancel plans. We avoid confrontation. We prefer a meme over a message.

But if we want to lead — not just exist — we need to speak with intention.

Toastmasters helps you:

• Speak with confidence in a boardroom or pitch.

• Stand up for your ideas with clarity.

• Represent your brand or business with impact.

• Connect with others meaningfully, not performatively.

My Personal Highlights (and Struggles)

I still get nervous. I still go blank mid-sentence. I still walk off wondering, “Did that make sense?”

But I’m sharper than I was a year ago. I’ve won impromptu speaking challenges. I’ve led sessions. I’ve mentored newer members. I’ve gotten feedback that my message lands.

That’s growth.

And here’s the best part — it’s not just in Toastmasters meetings. I’ve carried it into my business, my relationships, my videos, my leadership.

Final Thought: Why You Should Consider It

You don’t need to be a “speaker” to benefit. You just need to care about being better.

Better communicator. Better leader. Better thinker.

If that’s you — I highly recommend checking out a local Toastmasters club. Sit in on a session. See what it’s like. You don’t have to speak the first time. Just experience the space. You’ll know if it’s for you.

And if you decide to stay — I’ll see you in the journey.

This is the first in a long series I’ll be sharing — not just about Toastmasters, but about learning to lead with clarity and confidence.

Because words matter. And when you learn to use them well, everything changes.

Until next time — keep growing, keep speaking, keep showing up.