Michael Jordan famously said, ‘I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.’
That mindset is one of the things I’ve loved most about Berkhamsted Speakers. Toastmasters gives you a safe place to try, fail, learn and grow. Every speech, every evaluation and every role is an opportunity to improve and try something different.
Working in finance leadership, I spend a lot of time presenting numbers, leading meetings and communicating with different stakeholders. Toastmasters helped me realise that great communication is about far more than just delivering information it’s about presence, confidence, storytelling and connecting with people.
What I enjoy most about Berkhamsted Speakers is the supportive environment. Whether you’re an experienced presenter or someone terrified of speaking in front of a room, everyone encourages you to improve at your own pace. The feedback is constructive, the atmosphere is welcoming, and there’s always plenty of laughter.
For me, it’s become more than just public speaking it’s an environment that has helped build confidence, leadership and friendships too.
I strongly believe that a positive attitude to learning is all that’s required to be an accomplished speaker
I joined Berkhamsted Speakers in June 2011 and haven't looked back since - though I do occasionally reflect on my first visit to a Toastmasters meeting back in 1999. Ignoring a great opportunity for twelve years is an excellent way to appreciate it when you finally realise how good it is!
These days, Toastmasters is part of my ongoing learning and development, plus a reliable source of entertainment, good company, and the occasional existential revelation disguised as a Table Topics (impromptu) question. The most rewarding, is watching someone walk in for the first time - naturally very nervous and walk out a few months later, wondering why they ever doubted themselves. There's something genuinely rewarding about seeing people grow in confidence and realise how much this community can change their lives - professionally, personally, and in their ability to survive impromptu speeches about the quirkiest and fun subjects. Becoming a member is a no brainer and is the gift that just keeps giving!
Berko Speakers has transformed my life!
When I joined in April 2024, I was spending hours just to prepare a 5-7 minute speech, terrified of hosting a meeting and too nervous to evaluate more experienced members.
Now I look forward to sharing whatever I feel passionate to talk about because my nervous system has relaxed so I can actually enjoy connecting with my audience rather than worrying about mistakes.
Berko is a safe place to find your voice. To try new things and discover what you're capable of. I've expanded more than I could possibly have imagined!
I’ve been with Berkhamsted Speakers for just over a year, and I instantly felt welcomed and knew it was a safe space to explore different presentation styles. Speaking in front of an audience fills me with dread, but interestingly I always enjoy the success of accomplishing it, so I was searching for a club that would help me get over the initial scariness, as well as become a better presenter.
A great environment for becoming a better speaker, whatever the stage of life you’re in
I first joined a Toastmasters club while a student in my home country New Zealand. The experience served me well after I left university and started working – among other things, I even managed to MC at a couple of friends’ weddings.
Over twenty years later and now living in the UK, I again started feeling my skills needed improving. I joined Berkhamsted Speakers and it proved a brilliant and supportive place for gaining new confidence in my speaking. No matter the stage of life you’re in or your goals, joining Toastmasters can make a difference to your speaking. You won’t find many more welcoming places than Berkhamsted Speakers, too.
Mike Wilkinson
I joined Berko Speakers because I wanted to improve on my public speaking and presentation skills. I work in marketing and I knew that to be successful in a senior leadership position, presentation and public speaking are essential skills.
What I like about Berko Speakers – I have been warmly welcomed by everyone. I always get support and advice from everyone, from the most experienced speakers to newcomers like myself. I still get stage fright but everyone is always encouraging and once on stage it’s not so scary as everyone has become a friend. My mentor has always been on hand with words of encouragement. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn a thing or two about public speaking.
Cynthia Mutede
During lockdown my levels of anxiety and my fear of public speaking went a bit out of control. Every presentation would cause me so much stress and anxiety, that I found myself trying to avoid them, which isn’t a very good career path.
Toastmasters was a safe and supportive space to practice and get used to being out of my comfort zone.
I’m a totally different speaker now. I still feel a bit nervous sometimes, but most of the time I enjoy it and find myself looking forward to presenting.
Elias Torres
My job demands me to give numerous powerful presentations, and I used to feel anxious before each one. Additionally, I felt insecure about my ability to support or defend my work.
Being in a comfortable setting at Toastmasters helped me get over my anxiety of public speaking. I was able to enhance pace, voice diversity, body language, confidence, flow, and minimise empty words thanks to the feedback I’ve gotten over time.
My communication skills have improved, I’m giving more well-structured presentations, and I obtain buy-in from my stakeholders easily.
Elena Tanase
My speeches are now more animated, more inspirational and more engaging
When I was first asked if I was interested in joining Toastmasters I instantly imagined formidable and pompous gentlemen in red tuxedos toasting the queen and her realms. But the reality was quite different, the red coat was a red herring.
My inaugural visit to Berkhamsted Speakers was to the “humorous speech contest” – an evening of amusing and weird presentations on a wide variety of subjects. I enjoyed it, I was hooked and I immediately saw the benefits so joined the following week.
I’ve been public speaking for many years, since I started work as a researcher, but Berkhamsted Speakers has really helped me hone my presentation skills. My speeches are now more animated, more inspiring and more engaging with the audience. Since joining the club I have been invited to present at many more (international) conferences, and some even pay me to speak.
Nigel Oseland
Having found a different direction in life, I moved near to Berkhamsted; an entirely new area for me. Looking for a preferable alternative to the square box in the corner of the sitting room, I applied some research into what was on offer. Particularly as drinking is not something that appeals to me.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays were already occupied. I found two options to choose from. One was Toastmasters and the other was something that has so fallen by the wayside, it eludes me now as to what it even was. So Berkhamsted Speakers Club – the local Toastmasters chapter – playing host on a Tuesday it was to be then.
It was with a little trepidation that I ventured into the Quakers Meeting House that evening, arriving as a guest. As it transpired, my concerns soon dispersed as I became part of the wider family. I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderfully kind-hearted, intelligent, and intellectual individuals from a variety of backgrounds and stages of life who quickly became my fellow toasties.
I visited as a guest but left as family.
Mrs Bilquees Hussain
I’ve been a member of Berko speakers for about 8 years now and I love everything about it: the people, the laughter and the support given to aspiring speakers.
One of the most exciting aspects is watching individuals develop speaking skills and, often, their confidence.
James Redden
My friends and family are amazed how quickly I have grown into a more confident person
I have been a member of Berkhamsted Speakers Club for over 10 years and my friends and family were amazed how quickly I have grown into a more confident person. The members of the club are so encouraging and positive in their manner, that the journey so far has been exhilarating. The club is a gathering of like-minded people each with their own reason for wanting to develop their skills. I have learnt how to face and overcome my fears and how to communicate in a way that empowers me. I have made new friends and had lots of fun too.
Karen Hill
Berkhamsted Speakers Club transformed my career. The members have coached me, giving me the tools to improve my speaking skills, and a safe and supportive environment in which to practise, where I can push myself to my limits, without fear of consequences.
I went from someone afraid to speak in front of small groups, to someone who jumps at the opportunity to speak to conference audiences of 200 people (see photo). My new-found confidence in speaking has unlocked leadership opportunities in my professional life.
Simon Toon