02/09/2026
18 YEARS OF THE BEST
What have I learnt from 18 years as a member of Casterbridge Speakers? This amazing club is affiliated to Toastmasters International and is based in Dorchester. You think you are joining to improve your speaking skills, but you learn so much more and make some amazing friends. Here are ten things I have gained.
1. Leave your ego at the door. It is important to remember that it is not about you, but the message and your audience are what matter.
2. However good you think you are as a speaker or a leader, you can always be better. The constructive evaluation you get from other members enables you to grow and improve. Nowhere else do you get that kind of quality feedback.
3. During covid and beyond, I learnt so much about delivering on-line, which I had previously said I would never do with my training. (You never know what life will throw at you!) It enabled me to practice in a safe environment before using techniques at work.
4. How rewarding it is to see people grow in confidence and skill when you provide a safe, supportive environment. The warmth and friendliness of a Casterbridge meeting is fantastic.
5. Having been a self-employed person, it was great to work with a team and learn leadership skills, as I took on many of the roles required, including President twice.
6. You can’t do everything yourself, so it is important to delegate. People are more willing to step forward if you encourage them to do so. They grow in the process.
7. Problems will arise from time to time, but it is better to face up to them and deal with them at the time. Solving together as a team invariably creates better results.
8. Every speech and role you and others do, is a learning opportunity. Hearing and seeing others can increase your knowledge of how to (or not to do) something. The hugely varied content of speeches has been educational too; from coffee making to neurodiversity and more. Having a mentor is also invaluable. There is such a range of skills to help you.
9. Impromptu speaking can be nerve racking. Practicing regularly enables you to learn techniques to cope with nervousness and delivery.
10. You learn more when you are having fun. Laughter is a great soother of nerves and makes the effort of attending meetings worthwhile. So many times, members have said that they didn’t feel like coming, but are so glad they did, as they now feel more energised.
If you want to learn more about yourself, as a speaker and a leader, whilst having fun, then I highly recommend joining Casterbridge Speakers or a Toastmaster Club near you. https://www.toastmasters.org/. You won’t regret it.
