Returning to Toastmasters: Overcoming Nerves and Embracing Growth

This week, I took a step I’ve been putting off for almost a year – I returned to my local Toastmasters group in Dundee. You might think that because I’ve been before, going back would be easy. But honestly, I was more nervous this time around than when I first joined. The guilt of not going for so long compounded my anxiety, and I found myself talking myself out of it more times than I care to admit.

Why did I push myself to go back? It’s simple: I want to grow. Toastmasters has always been a place where I can improve my public speaking, but more specifically, I’m looking to sharpen my impromptu speaking skills. As someone who attends a lot of meetings, the ability to think on my feet and communicate clearly is a skill I’m always striving to improve. And no matter how nervous I felt, I knew that returning to Toastmasters was the right step toward that goal.

A Warm Welcome Back

When I finally walked through the doors, all my nerves quickly dissolved. The warm reception I received from both familiar and new faces was overwhelming. It was a reminder of what I had missed: the supportive and welcoming environment of Toastmasters, where everyone is there to learn and grow. Meeting new people was an added bonus, and it was a great way to expand my network.

For those who haven’t been to Toastmasters before, the structure is quite simple but effective. We all introduce ourselves at the start, and each week there’s a theme. This week, we were asked to share what we’re looking forward to most about autumn – a great icebreaker and a way to connect with others.

Roles and Learning Moments

Each member of the group has a role to play, and this week I was tasked with being the filler word counter. This meant that I had to listen out for “ums,” “ahs,” and other filler words people use during their speeches. I then had to explain my role to the group, which got me back on my feet early in the evening – a great way to break the ice with my nerves.

As the speeches started, I was immediately engaged. The first speech was about leadership and its many styles, something that resonated deeply with me as I’m currently on my own leadership journey. From authoritarian to coaching styles, the discussion gave me an opportunity to reflect on where I stand as a leader. Am I a combination of styles? Or is there one I lean towards more than others? These are questions I’ll continue to explore as I move forward in my career.

The second speech of the evening focused on the economic growth of Dundee over the last 30 years, a topic I found equally fascinating. As someone who enjoys thinking about how societies evolve and grow, this speech provided valuable insights into where the city is headed and what investments are being made.

The Challenge of Small Talk

After the speeches, we wrote feedback for the speakers, followed by a networking break. This is where I faced one of my personal challenges – small talk. While I feel relatively comfortable standing up in front of a crowd and giving a speech, I find one-on-one conversations, especially with new people, a bit awkward. It’s an area I know I need to work on, and one I plan to challenge myself with going forward. After all, communication skills aren’t just about public speaking; they’re also about connecting with people on a personal level.

Impromptu Speaking: My Favourite Part

The part of the evening I always look forward to the most is the impromptu speaking, or Table Topics as it’s called in Toastmasters. This is where you’re asked a question on the spot and have to give a short, unprepared speech. The question I received was, “What are you most thankful for?” Fortunately, I’ve recently been reflecting on gratitude, so I was able to speak about that without too much hesitation.

I’m not entirely sure how I did in terms of the timing, but the important thing is that I gave it my best. Impromptu speaking is such a valuable skill, especially in today’s fast-paced work environments where we often need to think on our feet.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Before the evening ended, I got up one last time to report on the filler words I had counted throughout the evening. It was another opportunity to practice getting up in front of an audience – something I’m learning to become more comfortable with each time I attend.

In total, I spoke three or four times throughout the evening, which was both a surprise and a thrill. Out of a group of 20, that felt like a lot, but it was exactly the kind of challenge I needed to shake off the nerves and remind myself why I returned in the first place.

Conclusion

Returning to Toastmasters after a year away wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. It reminded me that growth happens when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, and it showed me that no matter how much time passes, we can always start again. If you’re thinking about joining Toastmasters, or if you’re nervous about returning after a break like I was, my advice is simple: take the step. You won’t regret it.

First Published: TheCareerCoachesHandbook