When I first came to Canning Vale Toastmasters (CVTM), I didn’t realise that a single evening visit would introduce me to a club that would become such a big part of my life, filled with people who share a passion for the art of communication, and opportunities to improve my presentation skills. To this day, I consider this club one of the luckiest discoveries I have ever made. From my very first session, CVTM has always stayed true to its vision: to cultivate a community where every voice is heard, respected, and empowered to lead and inspire. Now, more than 2 years later, I am deeply honoured to step into the role of club president for 2026 and to work alongside a team of highly skilled club officers as we strive to maintain that vision.
A major reason each meeting is a weekly highlight for me is the vibrant, enthusiastic community that makes every session unique, motivating, and fun. From the moment you walk in, whether you’re a guest or an established member, the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The rotating agenda of various roles gives everyone a chance to leverage their individual skills, backgrounds and perspectives. Every meeting is an opportunity to learn something new, and you never know what interesting speech you’ll hear next!
I also love how CVTM embraces a “learn-by-doing” approach to teaching public speaking. Most start with a common fear of simply getting up on stage. But whether it’s your 1st session or your 50th, whether you’re giving a prepared speech or called up for an impromptu table topic, at CVTM, the most important thing is to have a go! It’s always amazing to see people keep coming back each week, incorporate feedback, and, over time, become more relaxed and more comfortable standing in front of an audience and expressing themselves, building not only their skills but also their self-confidence.
This year, I want to focus on providing the tools and resources to support club members as they work towards their goals. Our strength comes from the friendly and supportive culture, the mentorship and feedback that help us improve, and the fun we have along the way that keeps us coming back for more. If you’re a member, thank you for your continued energy. If you’re a visitor, we’d love to meet you. Come along to our next meeting!
Let’s make this our best year yet!