It’s Sunday and like most I’m sitting here at our local coffee shop, trying to figure out what I wanted to write about today. Should I talk about the new books I’ve started writing? I’ve been piecing together ideas for several of them. Maybe the anticipation I’m feeling while waiting for Beta Reader feedback?
Or… should I talk about something completely off the wall?
I chose kind of off the wall.
I’ve mentioned in a few of my posts that I’m a member of a Toastmasters club (last Sunday and Wednesday, for example). Harpeth View Toastmasters (my club) held an unofficial experimental contest yesterday.
The contest, for all intents and purposes, went really well. There were a few things I would’ve changed—had I not been distracted or off course—but overall, it flowed nicely. We heard six speakers share stories on the same topic: “Success from Failure.”
Each story was unique and compelling. The top three speakers even walked away with certificates of accomplishment. 🎉
So….. Why Join a Toastmasters Club or compete in a contest?
First… let me ask you a few “Have you ever” questions:
- Have you ever been in a conversation where every other word was um… ah… so… but… and…—some sort of filler word?
- Have you ever been asked to give a toast at a wedding or party, a eulogy, or an introduction?
- Have you been to a job interview and found yourself tongue-tied or at a loss for words?
- Have you ever wanted to express your thoughts or opinions clearly?
- Have you ever dreamed of sharing your story or making an impact through your words?
- Have you ever considered taking on a leadership role but didn’t think you could?
If you answered yes to even one of those… Toastmasters can help.
Toastmaster clubs offer a safe and friendly space to grow. They help reduce filler words and improve extemporaneous speaking. You learn to craft impactful speeches and, if you choose, develop as a leader.
You set your goals—and work toward them at your own pace. You’ll have a support system, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. Some members only take small roles (like invocation, tip & quote, or joke master). Some never give a full speech. Others come just for connection and inspiration.
Guests often attend multiple times before deciding whether to join—and that’s okay. The beauty of Toastmasters is that there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Why Compete in a Contest?
Toastmasters contests are an opportunity to stretch your skills. Whether you’re speaking, evaluating, or leading, contests push you to be your best:
- You write stronger speeches
- You dress with intention
- You practice your delivery (emotion, inflection, and presence)
And guess what? Whether you win or not, you win.
You evolve.
Your message reaches more hearts and minds.
You become a better version of the speaker you were at the start.
My Journey
Once upon a time, I was a seminar speaker’s assistant. Sometimes I’d answer audience questions, introduce products or the speaker, or handle logistics.
Occasionally, people would ask, “Why aren’t you up their speaking?”
I’d always respond, “Oh, I couldn’t do that.”
But deep down, there was a whisper:
Yes, you can. You just have to do it.
At the time, I didn’t believe in myself or my ability to speak in public. I had performed with a couple of my dad’s bands, but somewhere along the line, I developed a fear of microphones—and of speaking in front of others.
Maybe my inner introvert finally said, “No more risk of criticism.”
Still, that whisper kept peeking out from behind the fear.
One workplace I was at had a Toastmasters club, but their meeting time didn’t work with my schedule. Then one day, a club rented space at the spiritual center I attended—and they met on Saturday mornings. Woohoo! I could make Saturdays work, even though I lived 30 minutes away.
Joining that club was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My best friend and my Sweetheart both joined with me. The club? Harpeth View Toastmasters (HVTM). We’ve been members since February 2017.
Since then, I’ve visited and been a member of other clubs while still being a member of HVTM. Some members may come and go, some have passed on (and are deeply missed), while others have been there even longer than we have.
No matter the duration, the members become like family.
When you take on officer roles, you grow even more—and your friend list often expands beyond borders. I now have friends and acquaintances in other countries thanks to Toastmasters. I have often visited an Irish club off and on (hybrid meetings have opened doors worldwide).
Whether you want to make a small impact or a massive one, Toastmasters can help.
Want to Learn More?
🌍 Toastmasters International
📍 Harpeth View Toastmasters (HVTM)
Got questions? Message me. I’ll help however I can—and if I can’t, I might know someone who can. 💬
Now I’ll leave you to enjoy your Sunday. I hope it’s filled with hugs, love, laughter, and blessings.
Till next time… 🥰
🖋️ Inkspire Whisper:
“You never truly lose when you speak from the heart. Every story shared, every fear faced, every step forward—becomes another quill stroke in the script of your becoming. Keep writing yourself brave.”
— Inkspire
We are Creatively Unlimited! 
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