“I joined Swords Toastmasters after receiving a promotion that required me to speak in front of large audiences regularly. I was terrified, and the anxiety would sometimes last for weeks. A year ago, I decided to face my fear and join Swords Toastmasters. Now, I speak confidently to any audience without a second thought.”
Louise Duffy
“Some years ago, I worked for a company in a sales role, where the annual conference had around 60 – 80 people from all areas of the business. On a couple of occasions, I had to speak in front of the audience and I froze, stumbled over my words and wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. Since then, I’ve started my own business, and I know that speaking on stage is a credible way to establish yourself as a leader in your field. Joining Toastmasters was recommended to me in a start your business workshop. I found a local club, and commenced my Toastmasters journey. Now, after a short time in Toastmasters, I am comfortable getting up to speak in any situation. I could not recommend Toastmasters highly enough. It has been an invaluable, welcoming place to share, learn and be encouraged to grow your speaking confidence.“
Steve Donnellan
From Nerves to TEDx: My Toastmasters Transformation and the Power of Your Voice
Stepping into my first Toastmasters meeting in March 2017, I was paralyzed by nerves. But the warmth and support of the club members were immediate, transforming my trepidation into a sense of belonging. This supportive community became the bedrock of my journey.
Toastmasters has been instrumental in my growth. Within just eight weeks, I delivered my Icebreaker speech, and the cheering from my fellow members ignited a passion for public speaking. This journey has seen me reach district-level speech contests multiple times, not just for the competition, but for the invaluable experience of pushing my boundaries.
The core benefits of Toastmasters shine through:
Unwavering Community Support: You are never alone. Fellow members uplift and encourage you, celebrating every step of your progress.
Personal Growth Through Feedback: Constructive criticism, even when hard to hear, is a powerful tool for improvement, guided by dedicated mentors.
Conquering Fear & Building Confidence: The familiar nerves of public speaking transform into exhilarating energy, boosting self-confidence and the ability to think on your feet.
Developing Essential Skills: I learned to express my thoughts clearly and think critically, skills that transcend the stage and impact all areas of life.
Lifelong Friendships: Beyond public speaking, Toastmasters fosters deep connections and friendships.
This journey of amplified voice and self-belief culminated in a dream opportunity: speaking at TEDx Tralee on October 18th, 2025. My talk challenges the limiting labels we wear, both self-imposed and externally given, using my father’s story to illustrate the power of listening to the person behind the label. It’s an invitation to peel away these restrictions and embrace our true selves.
Overcoming personal obstacles like dyslexia and ADHD has further solidified my belief in the power of perseverance and support. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Toastmasters has shown me the incredible possibilities that emerge when you silence self-doubt and embrace your potential. My TEDx talk is a testament to this very principle – the power of finding your voice and daring to share it.
