Thinking About Toastmasters? This Might Be the Nudge You Need

We hear this all the time: “I’ve been thinking about Toastmasters for ages… I just haven’t taken the plunge.”

And we’ve all been there. It’s completely normal.

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea and Googled, “how to stop shaking during presentations”, or admired a confident speaker and wished you could do that. You may have even gone as far as bookmarking our club’s website or follow our Facebook posts while you think about it some more. 

You might actually be more ready than you think. Do it now

Shamelessly borrowing the sentiment from the (supposed) Chinese proverb about the best time to plant a tree being 20 years ago and the second best time is now - when is the best time to join Toastmasters? Now. Because after you do start you will think “why didn’t I join earlier?”, because we all do.

What is stopping you from taking that next step?

You don’t have to be confident to join Toastmasters. You join Toastmasters to build confidence.

If you recognise yourself in any of the signs below, it might be time to step through the Miranda Toastmasters' door and give it a go.

1. You dread public speaking—but you know you should get better at it
   The classic one. If presentations, meetings or even introducing yourself at networking events sends your heart rate sky-high, you’re not alone.
   
   Fear of public speaking is one of the most common anxieties in the world. But here’s the secret: confidence isn’t a talent - it’s a muscle, and Toastmasters is the gym.
2. You’ve got career goals … and you know communication is key
   Whether you want a promotion, a career change, or simply to more confident in meetings—speaking up with clarity is often the missing ingredient.
   
   At Toastmasters, you’ll practice exactly that: speaking concisely, listening actively, and presenting ideas with impact. It’s the leadership training you don't get from a book.
3. You’ve been asked to give a speech and you’re already panicking
   Wedding speech. Birthday toast. Retirement farewell. Work presentation. Eulogy. Engagement party. The list goes on.
   
   Special occasions often require speeches—and most people only realise they need help after they’ve said yes. Toastmasters gives you a safe space to rehearse, get feedback, and not panic when you are in that spotlight.
4. You want to sound more natural and less ‘scripted’
   You’ve written a great speech … but it sounds robotic, your voice goes monotone or you speak way too fast to get through it. Or maybe you freeze the moment you’re off-script, start to fumble, apologise and get embarrassed.
   
   Toastmasters teaches you how to speak with authenticity—not just recite words. With regular practice, you’ll learn how to use vocal variety, eye contact, pauses and gestures that make you sound like you … the best version of you.
5. You’re looking for a supportive community
   Some people join Toastmasters for the public speaking, but they stay for the people.
   
   Miranda Toastmasters is full of supportive, regular, down-to-earth humans who want you to succeed. No judgement, no pressure, and no suits required (except maybe for special occasions). We laugh, we learn, we encourage each other, and we continue to grow together.
6. You’re curious—but also a bit nervous
   Perfect! That means you’re human. Being nervous is part of the experience and even professional speakers feel nervous before speaking.
   
   You don’t need to give a speech at your first meeting (or second or third). Guests are always welcome to just watch. But we’ll always encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give it a try because that’s why you’re here. You’ll quickly see how relaxed, fun and friendly it really is, and how we all started in your shoes.
7. You want to keep growing—even if it’s just for you
   You don’t need a big goal to join Toastmasters. Maybe you just want to challenge yourself. Maybe you want to keep your brain sharp. Maybe you want to try something new that’s not just scrolling social media in your downtime. Maybe you want an activity outside of the house on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
   
   Whatever it is, it's reason enough.

What happens when you do join?

You’ll be part of a club where:

• You choose your own goals (from informal speeches to leadership roles)
• You get kind, helpful feedback to grow faster
• You’ll learn by doing—not just listening to a talk about it
• You get comfortable being uncomfortable—and that’s where the magic happens

You’ll also find that every skill you build transfers seamlessly into real life. Work, relationships, community life, volunteer roles… it all gets easier when you can speak clearly and confidently.

Still Not Sure?

That’s okay. You don’t need to commit. You just need to show up once.

Visit Miranda Toastmasters—no pressure, no speeches required

If you’ve been thinking about joining Toastmasters, take this as your sign that you’re ready enough.

Find our next meeting at www.miranda-toastmasters.org.au or visit our What's On and News pages or read more Blogs, and see what it’s all about.