Building confidence, one speech at a time

Confidence doesn’t come all at once; it’s built over time. At Central Michigan University, Toastmasters gives students a place to practice, fail, improve, and try again. The Registered Student Organization focuses on one essential skill: communication, but the impact goes far beyond public speaking. From first-time speakers to student leaders, members are learning how to think on their feet, organize ideas, and present themselves with confidence in any setting.

A space to grow

For Aftab Hossain, an information systems graduate student from India, Toastmasters is designed for anyone willing to take that first step. “Anyone will benefit from joining Toastmasters because anybody who would like to work on themselves, improve their public speaking skills, prepare speeches, or try impromptu speaking can gain something from it,” he said. “Anyone who would like to get out of their comfort zone will definitely benefit from Toastmasters.”

That mindset has helped create an environment where students from all backgrounds feel comfortable participating, whether they are experienced speakers or attending their first meeting.

Learning by doing

Each meeting allows students to practice real-world communication. Members deliver prepared speeches, respond to impromptu prompts, and receive constructive feedback from peers. It’s a hands-on approach that mirrors the kinds of situations students will face in career presentations, interviews, team discussions, and leadership roles.

At the College of Business Administration, experiences like this reflect a larger focus on applied learning, where students build skills by doing, not just listening.

Support that builds confidence

Behind the scenes, faculty mentorship helps students take those first steps. “Do not wait until you feel ready. Toastmasters is a space where you grow into your confidence,” said faculty advisor Ekhomen Ehimen-Ebitibituwa. “The first step may feel scary, but it can open the door to lifelong personal and professional growth.”

She added, “Your voice does not become powerful because you were never afraid; it becomes powerful because you chose to speak anyway.” Encouragement plays a key role in helping students push past hesitation and take advantage of opportunities to lead and speak.

A lasting impact

The value of Toastmasters extends beyond campus, and sometimes, it comes into the room. When CMU President Neil MacKinnon visited a recent session, he shared how his own experience in Toastmasters shaped his path.

“Toastmasters really did change my life,” he said. “If you had met the 21-year-old Neil MacKinnon, he would have been very different.” He encouraged students to recognize the long-term impact of the skills they are building now.

“The return on investment will be 100-fold,” he said. “You have made a very wise choice to be part of this.” MacKinnon also emphasized that communication remains central to leadership. “Effective communication is a key skill for any leader,” he said. “The nice part of Toastmasters is it’s very practical, real-world training. You have to be brave, stand up in front of others, and often be put on the spot.”

More than a meeting

For many students, Toastmasters becomes more than just another organization—it becomes a turning point. The ability to speak clearly, think confidently, and adapt to different audiences are skills that carry into every part of a student’s future, from internships to full-time careers.

At CMU’s College of Business Administration, that kind of growth is the goal. And for Toastmasters members, it starts with something simple: showing up, speaking up, and taking the first step.