John Leech Mary McHugh has been in toastmasters over twenty years. She is very quiet and obliging, working for the common good. I told her ten years ago I was thinking of setting up a toastmaster’s group in Tallaght and immediately she offered to help. She is an exceptional speaker and leader, filling many roles in Tallaght … Read more
Leicester City Speakers celebrates 15 extraordinary years. On the evening of 23rd April 2026, Leicester City Speakers — Club No. 1591173, Area 06, Division E, District 71 — gathered to mark a milestone fifteen years in the making. Thirty-six members and guests filled the room at 1 Richmond Street, Leicester, for a celebration that was … Read more
What was the conference like for me? Honestly? Expansive. Not because everything went perfectly. It didn’t. There were moments of exhaustion, accessibility challenges, nerves before my workshop, too much coffee, not enough sleep, and the occasional “What on earth am I doing?” moment that many of us secretly have at conferences. But somewhere between the … Read more
Psychologist Albert Marahabian is quoted as saying “we are five times as likely to be influenced by voice than by spoken words as we listen to a speaker” There is a lot of learned wisdom in his words. When one reflects on one’s tone of voice when speaking one very quickly learns about volume. Does … Read more
Like many of you reading this, I tried every trick in the Toastmasters handbook (and a few that weren’t in it!) to get mentoring up and running in my club. Everyone wants to learn… but finding the time, is the challenge. Whenever I spoke with fellow Toastmasters about being a mentor, or mentee, the same … Read more
The first District Conference I went to changed my Toastmasters life – forever.It was November 2017 in Sheffield. Several of us from Cork travelled over.I had no idea there were so many friendly people in our District. So manystrangers welcomed me warmly – were interested in me – at the “Newcomers toConference” meeting – at … Read more
During my tenure as Public Relations Manager for District 71 Toastmasters, I had the privilege of serving under the leadership of District Director Danny Banks; a leader whose approach to empowerment and trust left a lasting professional imprint.What distinguished Danny’s leadership style was his strategic restraint. He understood that high-performing teams are not built through … Read more
Nine years ago, I joined my local Toastmasters Club. On day one, I was approached with the option to step in as Club Secretary. 2017 was the year I decided to make key changes and say yes to things I would have previously shied away from. There was much work to be done and was … Read more
In the turning of the calendar, the final quarter’s here. A time to lift our voices high, to finish strong this year. For growth is built in moments – small steps that shape our way and progress is the promise that we honour day by day. As new committees gather, with fresh vision in their … Read more
Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations, or even for that all important wedding speech. Eileen Hopkins joined … Read more