Toastmasters Offers So Much More Than Public Speaking

When people first join Toastmasters, their main reason is often to become more confident at public speaking. That was my primary reason too. Another was to be part of a community.

I joined Godalming Speakers in May 2022, a year into running my Leadership and Team Coaching business. Working mostly from home on Zoom, I was getting cabin fever. I needed to get out of the house to meet people and re-energise myself.

At my very first meeting, I joined the Warm-up and even did a Table Topic—well outside my comfort zone. I’d have been happy to observe quietly, but my friend Caroline stood up before me and I couldn’t let the side down! The adrenaline rush after that first experience certainly energised me.

Beyond Public Speaking: Taking on New Roles

Initially, I focused on developing my speaking skills. What I imagined would be a terrifying and lengthy ordeal quickly became easier. As my confidence grew, I took on different meeting roles like Timer, Table Topics Master, Grammarian, Evaluator, and eventually, Toastmaster.

What I hadn’t realised at first was how these roles develop skills beyond public speaking. For example, giving feedback as an Evaluator improves your ability to provide constructive insights. Running the meeting as Toastmaster strengthens organisational and leadership skills. These are critical abilities, and I often recommend Toastmasters to coaching clients who want to boost their confidence in these areas.

Finding My Voice: Joining the Committee

In my second year, I joined the committee as VP of Public Relations (VPPR), which led to some of my biggest “aha” moments. At the time, I was still figuring out social media for my business and procrastinating about starting a blog. As VPPR, I managed our club’s Facebook page and created posts to promote events.

Attending VPPR training and exploring the resources on the Toastmasters International portal helped me develop a social media plan with monthly themes. This structured approach made content creation easier and I also taught myself how to use Canva to create eye-catching graphics. I applied these skills to my LinkedIn strategy, starting with weekly leadership tips. Having a plan and themes to focus on not only saved time but also helped me find my voice on social media.

Taking It Further: Starting a Blog

As my confidence grew, I decided to experiment with creating a blog. Setting up our Godalming Speakers Substack page gave me the perfect opportunity to learn. Using branded graphics from Toastmasters’ PR resources, I created our first newsletter in July 2023, titled Unleash Your Inner Toastmaster.

The safe space of our club’s social media platforms allowed me to experiment and build skills that directly benefited my business. Learning tools like Substack and Canva saved me time and money. By starting with free resources, I avoided costly mistakes like unnecessary app subscriptions or ineffective advertising.

Volunteering for Learning, and Growth

Being part of the Godalming Speakers committee taught me that when we all contribute, we create something much bigger—in the club and within ourselves. Volunteering for a committee role not only helps the club thrive but also provides invaluable personal growth opportunities. Roles like VPPR, Secretary, or Treasurer come with built-in learning experiences that extend far beyond the Toastmasters meeting room.

If you’re considering a committee role, I encourage you to give it a try. The skills you develop—from planning and organising to creative thinking and leadership—will serve you in all areas of life.

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re already in a committee role and want to share ideas, or if you’re curious about volunteering, let’s connect! Together, we can make an even bigger impact. Toastmasters isn’t just about speaking—it’s about discovering new skills, building confidence, and creating a supportive community.

So, what’s stopping you? Take the first step toward something extraordinary.

Sue Scott
Leadership & Team Coach
Godalming Speakers VPPR

Last Updated on 1st February 2025 by Allen Paul

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