My Toastmasters journey began in 2015 in India, and as I moved for work to Malaysia and now in the United Kingdom, the journey continued, including becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster in 2021. Along the way, I have been a member of community clubs, corporate clubs, language clubs, virtual clubs each adding something unique to my growth.
However, this article is not about the geographical journey. It is about where it pushed me personally — completely out of my comfort zone.
When I was approached to host the District 91 podcast series Ditch the Nerves, my reaction was mixed — excited about the opportunity, yet apprehensive about whether I had the technical skills. I accepted the role not because I was good at it — but precisely because I was not. And in a world where digital communication and on-camera presence are increasingly important, I saw this as a structured opportunity to learn by doing.
After hosting six episodes in the past six months, three key learnings stand out.
1. Toastmasters is Where ‘Oops’ is Encouraged
This experience reinforced a core belief: Toastmasters is one of the safest environments for learning something new. I stepped into this role with more questions than answers. I had limited experience with social media, no background in podcast hosting, and no technical exposure to video production or editing. There were technical struggles, frustrating moments and plenty of small mistakes along the way. But what stood out was that none of it felt uncomfortable in the way failure often does elsewhere. Instead, I could experiment and fail — which allowed me the much-needed space to gain new skills.
A common tendency is to wait until one feels fully prepared before taking on newresponsibilities. Toastmasters works on the opposite principle. It is designed for individuals who are not yet ready but are willing to learn.
Progress begins with practice, not perfection.
2. Unfortunately, No Fast Track Exists — I Tried
I had assumed the most difficult aspect would be video production and editing. I was wrong. With today’s accessible tools and resources, I was able to learn basic video editing through
trial and error. Of course, improvement is ongoing.
Rather, I had assumed I would be comfortable being the host. I was wrong. Being on camera, actively listening, and responding to the guest in real time – turned out to be my biggest stretch.
Learning lies in living it.
3. Every Expert Was Once a Beginner
A meaningful aspect of this role was the opportunity to interact with senior leaders of Toastmasters International, who have demonstrated high achievement within Toastmasters and beyond. Yet, what stood out most was their humility, simplicity, and openness in sharing their personal journeys.
They spoke candidly about how they often started from scratch, facing the same uncertainties and challenges that many of us experience today. Their stories of early struggles reinforced
an important realization: no one is born as an expert communicator or leader; struggles are real.
Mastery comes through mistakes, mindfulness, and meaningful practice.
Ditch the Nerves!
Hosting Ditch the Nerves helped me do exactly that — ditch the fear of not knowing, not being ready, and not being perfect. If you are considering taking up a role in the coming term, my advice is simple: go for it. You will gain far more than you think — and certainly more than you give.
Madhurantika Moulick, DTM
Immediate Past President
Riverside Communicators
District 91, Area D 29
Last Updated on 29th April 2026 by Allen Paul