Member Stories
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From Diplomacy to Self-Discovery: Highlights from Our 23 September Meeting
Our meeting on 23 September was a powerful reminder of why Toastmasters is about so much more than learning how to speak—it’s about learning how to listen, reflect, grow, and connect. From thoughtful leadership insights to deeply personal speeches and a lively Table Topics competition, the evening showcased the courage, creativity, and confidence of our members. Leadership Through Listening: Opening Address Our President, Pete Ashton, opened the meeting with a reflection inspired by recent world events, drawing parallels between diplomacy on the global stage and communication within our Toastmasters community. He reminded us that diplomacy is not passive—it requires patience, humility, and intentional listening. Whether hosting world leaders or delivering…
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August Highlights at Newbury Speakers: Stories, Skills, and Celebration
August was a vibrant and inspiring month at Newbury Speakers, filled with memorable stories, practical learning, and well-deserved recognition. Our recent meeting showcased everything Toastmasters stands for: confidence-building, supportive feedback, leadership development, and plenty of laughter along the way. Here’s a round-up of the highlights from an outstanding evening. ✈️ Table Topics: Summer Holidays with a Twist Our Table Topics theme, Summer Holidays, took us on a whirlwind journey across continents and experiences — without ever leaving the room. Members shared: Cultural insights from travels in the Philippines, highlighting generosity, hospitality, and stark contrasts. ️ Appreciation for unspoilt landscapes, particularly Romania’s countryside and wilderness. Cycling adventures that tested endurance —…
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Rise Speak Inspire
On Tuesday, 22 July 2025, Newbury Toastmasters gathered for an unforgettable evening of personal growth, powerful storytelling, and community spirit. The event was held in two parts, each filled with unique energy and insight. Part I: Finding Our Voice The evening opened with a warm welcome from our Toastmaster, Darryl Pitt, whose humour and encouragement set the tone for what was to come. Highlights included: A heartfelt Icebreaker speech from one of our newest members, who shared their story with honesty and confidence. An engaging Table Topics session that had everyone reflecting, laughing, and stepping outside their comfort zones. Thoughtful evaluations that provided not just feedback but fuel for growth.…
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It’s changed me, for the better! by Alexis Sugden
My Background Before I begin talking about Toastmasters, I should give you some context. During the extensive series of COVID-19 lockdowns I was taken to a dark place, mentally, as I battled with many thoughts about the direction I should take my life. I assume this isn’t an uncommon thing for a 17-year-old to experience, but stupidly I took no constructive action at the time and continued with my life of nothingness. Coming out of lockdown, I realised something had to change if I wanted to get anywhere, and so I cultivated an indelible passion for personal development, which put non-fiction books and educational podcasts, rather than video games, at the top of…
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You Won’t Look Back by Ray Wilton
It’s 24th May 2020. The old leadership and communication education program will time out at the end of June. And I just got confirmation that I have been awarded DTM, with 5 weeks to spare! That might seem plenty of time, but I have been a member of Toastmasters for over 12 years. With the support of my Vice President (Education) and a last minute rush, just like all of my projects really, we got there. Back in 2007, while I was a project manager at Vodafone, I was looking at my personal development plan. I had done all the job specific training available and I needed something. At the time, Newbury…
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My first 4 Years with Newbury Speakers by Rob Hoblin
Having completed a long and successful career in policing in 2014, I wanted to set myself some new personal challenges, whilst working as an International trainer with my own company. I did look at some voluntary work initially but as there were so many choices, I didn’t know which one to choose. I also knew that I couldn’t commit fully to this due to my sporadic availability undertaking training delivery commitments. Newbury Speakers One late winter’s evening just before Christmas in 2016, I found an advert in the local ‘what’s on’ magazine and it mentioned Newbury Speakers and particularly, the focus on improving your public speaking capability and joining…
