Cork woman on joining Toastmasters: ‘What I treasure most are the friendships I’ve made’

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026 - 10:55

Toastmasters isn’t about perfection – it’s about stepping forward, learning, and discovering the confident, capable, and connected version of yourself — both professionally and personally.

That’s according to the president of the Bandon Toastmasters Club and estate agent Majella Galvin.

“I first heard about Toastmasters International back in Transition Year, representing Bandon Grammar School in a public speaking competition organised by Bandon Toastmasters Club,” she said.

“At the time, I thought, ‘Some day, I’ll join.’ That ‘some day’ took years. Life moved quickly — building my career, becoming involved in professional networks, and taking on new responsibilities. During that time, I came to appreciate more than ever how important strong communication and leadership skills truly are.

“Eventually, I realised there would never be a perfect moment to start. When I finally walked into my first meeting in 2020, the welcome was immediate: no pressure, no judgment, just encouragement and support. That first step marked the beginning of a journey that has since led me to serve as President of Bandon Toastmasters Club,” she said.

Majella’s reason for joining was to strengthen the skills that matter most in her work — communication, leadership, and authentic connection with people.

“As an estate agent, clear and confident communication is at the heart of every interaction. Whether presenting a property, updating clients on the market, or leading a meeting, I wanted to be able to speak with clarity and authority in front of groups or individuals and to give constructive feedback and communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and network groups. I also wanted to appear authentic and engaging on social media, in property videos, and in interviews,” she said.

Surprisingly, one lesson Toastmasters taught her is that over-preparing can actually get in the way. One element of meetings called Table Topics (impromptu speaking) supports this. Participants are given surprise questions or scenarios to speak on for one to two minutes, helping them think quickly, speak confidently under pressure, and improve adaptability — skills that are valuable in any professional or social setting.

“Once you have the skills, effective delivery is about connection — relating to your audience, knowing your subject, and trusting yourself. That confidence makes all the difference, whether I’m presenting a property, recording a video, or speaking at a networking event,” said the Bandon woman.

Being part of the group has given her more though. It’s also been transformative on a personal level.

“Standing in front of an audience, receiving constructive feedback, and stepping outside my comfort zone builds confidence that extends far beyond the podium. What I treasure most are the friendships I’ve made. Members become mentors, collaborators, and even life-long friends — people you turn to for advice, encouragement, and inspiration. These connections stretch locally and internationally, creating a supportive network that lasts well beyond weekly meetings,” said Majella.

She explained how a typical meeting is structured, supportive, and designed to help everyone grow.

“Every meeting combines prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, evaluation, and leadership practice, not forgetting the coffee break — perhaps the most loved part of any meeting where informal conversations spark inspiration and build friendships.”

Majella has also embraced Toastmasters’ structured learning through the Pathways education programme, an online learning platform that allows members to follow tailored paths to develop communication and leadership skills.

“I’ve completed several paths already, from persuasive speaking to effective coaching, and I’m currently training for the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) recognition, the highest accolade in Toastmasters,” she said.

A Distinguished Toastmaster represents the pinnacle of achievement in both communication and leadership. It requires completing advanced Pathways projects, taking on leadership roles at the club or district level, and mentoring other members or clubs.

“Working towards the DTM has pushed me to grow in new ways — professionally, personally, and as part of a community. It’s a long-term journey, but every step teaches skills that I can apply immediately in my career and daily life,” Majella explained.

What’s her message to anyone thinking of joining?

“My advice is simple: attend a meeting as a guest. You don’t need to speak — just watch, absorb, and see if it resonates. Growth begins the moment you show up. At Bandon Toastmasters, you’ll find a supportive community, practical skills, and friendships that can last a lifetime.

“All it takes is one first step — and you might be surprised where it leads.”