The Sunshine Speakers Toastmasters Club is looking to grow its membership as it invites the community to join its upcoming meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios, located at 23 Mississaga St. W.
The club, which is part of Toastmasters International, a global organization that has been helping individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills since 1923, currently has fewer than 20 members.
Club President Laura Joyce, a visually impaired registered massage therapist, hopes to see that number increase in the new year.
“Membership has kind of wavered since COVID,” Joyce explained. “We’re trying to get our numbers back up.”
Joyce, who joined the Sunshine Speakers in 2012, credits the organization with transforming her confidence and communication skills.
“Toastmasters has made me more confident when I’m speaking to other people,” she shared. “It’s also helped me network with people I probably never would have met otherwise.”
A self-described storyteller, Joyce says her time with Toastmasters has been invaluable for honing her ability to share personal experiences through writing and speaking.
“I’ve written a lot of stories about my life so far, and I love being able to communicate that with people,” she said.
Joyce emphasized the supportive and judgment-free environment of Toastmasters allows members to grow at their own pace.
“When I first joined, I was nervous just like everybody else,” she said. “Now, as the president, I love and look forward to the meetings.”
The Sunshine Speakers offer a variety of activities, including prepared speeches and “table topics,” where participants practise impromptu speaking.
“You get the chance to speak off the cuff for about one to two minutes and see how effective you are,” said Joyce. “It’s a great way to develop new skills or improve existing ones.”
The club is open to individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels.
“A lot of people have a fear of public speaking,” Joyce said. “Toastmasters will help you overcome that fear.”
Over the years, Joyce has witnessed remarkable growth among her fellow members.
“One of our past presidents used to have a noticeable quaver in his voice,” she recalled. “Now he’s a confident individual who has grown his business significantly as a result of Toastmasters.”
Joyce hopes people will consider making Toastmasters part of their New Year’s resolutions.
“It’s an opportunity to meet new people, improve yourself, and have fun in the process," Joyce said.
For more information about Toastmasters, click here.
