Toastmastering in UK

In August 2010, as I eagerly awaited the processing of my UK work permit, my initial instinct led me to explore the Toastmasters International (TMI) website in search of clubs within the UK. Despite the absence of an issued visa and a specific project to align myself with, I found myself daydreaming about attending Toastmasters meetings in the UK – a testament to the transformative power of Toastmasters. It brings to mind the Tamil saying, “Kovil illada ooril kudi iruka vendam,” loosely translated as "Do not live in a city without places of worship." For Toastmasters enthusiasts, the sentiment might be rephrased as, "Do not reside in a city lacking a Toastmasters club." Considering the rapid emergence of new clubs, it won't be long before there's hardly a city in the world without a Toastmasters presence

Undeterred, I revisited the Toastmasters International site and this time discovered the HOD Speakers Club at Stanmore. I reached out to the club's President, eagerly awaiting a response, but unfortunately, none came. Undeterred, I forwarded my inquiry to another club email, and this time, the Vice President of Education (VPE) promptly replied, extending a warm invitation to their upcoming meeting. This individual turned out to be a fantastic person who not only welcomed me to the club but also generously offered to pick me up from the station and drop me back home, recognizing my newcomer status in London. Such gestures truly embody the spirit of Toastmasters!

HOD Speakers Club is a vibrant community with a diverse membership hailing from various parts of the world, with a predominant representation from South Africa. Despite the average age of the group being around 45 or above, their lively and energetic spirit knows no bounds. It's a warm and loving community that defies age stereotypes, radiating enthusiasm and liveliness in every meeting.

While the club thrives on its monthly gatherings, one consideration for enhancement could be the exploration of more frequent meetings. In the UK, the trend typically leans towards holding meetings at least twice a month. Expanding the meeting frequency could offer members even more opportunities to engage, collaborate, and further enrich their Toastmasters experience within this dynamic and spirited community

In my initial interactions with the Vice President of Education (VPE), he graciously asked if I would be willing to give a brief speech on Toastmastering in India and share the personal impact Toastmasters has had on me – a request to which I gladly agreed. However, the true highlight of the meeting unfolded during the icebreaker speech delivered by a remarkable gentleman who happened to be visually challenged, having lost his vision entirely. The sheer enthusiasm and determination with which he approached the lectern to deliver his speech left a profound impact that transcends words.

His speech, capturing the essence of his life from childhood to the present, was nothing short of extraordinary. He touched our hearts when he spoke about his marriage, spanning over 50 years, and poignantly shared the deep sense of loss after the recent passing of his wife. Despite facing immense challenges, his resilience and eloquence during that moment were truly out of this world. It was a poignant reminder of the transformative power of Toastmasters and the incredible stories that unfold within its supportive community.

Following the memorable meeting with HOD Speakers last November, my Toastmasters journey experienced a brief hiatus. The intervening period was marked by the demands of relocating homes, making it challenging to actively pursue Toastmastering. However, as I settled into my new residence in Croydon, I quickly resumed my quest and successfully identified a couple of Toastmasters clubs conveniently located in close proximity to my new home. This marked the revival of my engagement with Toastmasters, as I eagerly looked forward to rekindling the enriching experiences that come with being a part of this supportive and dynamic community

I explored two promising Toastmasters clubs near my new home in Croydon – Speakers of Croydon and Croydon Communicators. My initial attendance was at the meeting of Speakers of Croydon on the first Tuesday of January 2011. Contrasting with HOD, this club boasted a diverse age range among its members. The atmosphere was charged with liveliness, energy, and contagious enthusiasm. As the meeting kickoff neared, it was heartening to witness the number of guests surpassing the members. By the time the meeting officially commenced, the guests and members equaled each other not only in terms of numbers but also in energy, enthusiasm, and collective experience.

Among the notable guests was Dave, a seasoned Toastmaster, adding a veteran touch to the gathering. The overall experience of attending this club meeting was truly enjoyable, leaving me excited about the prospect of further engagement with this dynamic and spirited Toastmasters community.

The Speakers of Croydon meeting I attended featured a diverse array of speeches, encompassing Ice-breakers, CC7, ACB, and ACG projects. Each speech delivered was truly remarkable. The ice-breaker, in particular, stood out as a splendid performance. Despite the speaker's initial hesitations, they swiftly transitioned into a cruise control mode, delivering a thought-provoking speech with an excellent blend of humor. The versatility displayed across the various project levels added depth to the meeting, creating an atmosphere where members could both showcase their skills and be inspired by the diverse range of speeches presented.

Much like the dedication witnessed at HOD Speakers Club, another remarkable example of commitment to Toastmastering unfolded at Speakers of Croydon through Pauline Hardy, the club's secretary. Despite facing the challenges of Motor Neurone Disease and being in a wheelchair with limited body movement, Pauline's commitment to the club is truly awe-inspiring. Her hands, unfortunately, have lost the strength to hold a pen, but undeterred, she records the minutes on her iPad. Notably, she even goes the extra mile by sending out a detailed two-page meeting report via email to all members and guests.

Pauline's enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication shine through, serving as an inspiration to everyone in the club. It's truly mind-blowing to witness her resilience and passion despite the obstacles she faces.[But I could'nt figure out why she thought I was from Srilanka and my name was Sudesha!!]

After participating in these two meetings, a profound realization dawned on me: if we genuinely believe that Toastmasters can contribute significantly to our personal development, enhancing our skills, and refining our character, then commitment and dedication become second nature, irrespective of the challenges we may face. The experiences at HOD Speakers and Speakers of Croydon underscored that, with a touch of planning and effective time management, it is indeed possible to elevate ourselves as professionals and individuals.

Witnessing the unwavering commitment of individuals like Pauline Hardy serves as a powerful inspiration. Their ability to overcome limitations and contribute passionately to the Toastmasters community exemplifies the transformative impact of dedication and resilience. It reinforces the belief that with the right mindset, Toastmasters can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth, guiding us towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.