From Fear to Flourish – My Toastmasters Story

“Atty. Den, I’m inviting you to join Bench and Bar Toastmasters.”

That single line from Fiscal Jen changed my life.

It was both a blessing … and a curse.

A blessing, because I knew Toastmasters was filled with brilliant, confident, and inspiring people.
A curse, because I thought —

“Oh no. I’m not one of them.”

So I said yes — not because I was confident…
but because I wanted to become confident.

It was July last year — my very first Zoom meeting with BBTM.

When I joined, I saw DTM Gie Europa and DTM Rene Lizada on screen.

And my first thought?

“Unsa mani akong gisudlan?! I thought this was a walk in the park — pero murag Jurassic Park man diay!”

I was the only guest that day. Nervous. Sweaty. Silent.

Then came the words I dreaded most:

“Let’s call on our guest for Table Topics!”

My heart said, Noooo!

But my mic said, Yes, go ahead!

I gave a short, trembling answer, filled with “uhms” and “ahs.”

Then in the evaluation portion, I accidentally said, “Opo” to DTM Rene.

With no smile on his face, he said,

“Just call me Rene. Don’t say po. You’re making me feel ancient.”

I melted in embarrassment. In my mind “nasuko cguro to cya bah. Kahadlok ato niya uy strikto kayo!”

But that was my first real lesson in Toastmasters mentoring:
They correct you not to humiliate you, but to help you grow.

After that, Fiscal Jen never gave up on me.
She kept inviting me to meetings — again and again.

I kept showing up — still nervous, still imperfect.
My grammar wasn’t great, my voice shook, and my thoughts ran faster than my tongue. But believe me, I would take note of every evaluation (especially in speeches), even though it’s another person’s speech. It was at that time that I would find speeches very interesting.

In one meeting, I heard DTM Rene say to another member,

“Your speech is good, but make it more animated.”

And that struck me.

I realized: I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be alive, authentic, and animated.

After that, I already had an idea of what to do when it would finally be my turn to deliver my own speech.

Let me share a little secret — I’ve actually been joining declamation and oratorical contests since kindergarten, all the way through grade school and high school. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but let’s just say… speaking has always been part of my system.

A month before my first speech, I already prepared my Ice Breaker.

I told myself, “You have to be ready. When your time comes, you’ll shine.”

Honestly, I really wanted to start my speech with a bang! The last time I delivered a speech was way back in 2006 during my high school years. I still remember — my piece was Senator Jovito Salonga’s “How to Achieve World Peace.”

So this time, I was gigil na gigil to bring back my so-called “talent” — something I’ve kept hidden and unpracticed for so many years. I thought to myself, “Let’s see if I still got it, ha?”

And mind you, I really memorized my speech. I even had a cellphone recorder, which I listened to every now and then just to master every word — a technique I learned way back in kindergarten, in 1997, when I joined my first-ever declamation contest.

When I finally delivered it, I gave it my all —
Gestures, facial expressions, even a bit of acting! Because after all, I’m a frustrated actress! Haha

After my speech, DTM Elisa Tay evaluated me and said,

“You’re a natural storyteller.”

And at that moment, I discovered my voice.
I realized that Toastmasters isn’t just about speaking —
It’s about expressing who you truly are.

Then came another shocker.

“Atty. Den, you’re joining the Humorous Speech Contest!”

My eyes went wide. “Me?! A newbie?!”

But deep inside, I was thrilled! I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement because finally — after more than a decade — I’d get to showcase a talent that had been sleeping for so long.

I thought to myself, “I still got this! I know I do!”

But with the help of my mentors — Fiscal Jen, Judge Che, and the DTMs — I joined.
I practiced. I laughed at myself. I learned to enjoy the process.

And guess what? I won my first contest!
However, in the 2^nd contest, I didn’t make it to the next round, but that didn’t matter.

What mattered was when DTM Rene told me,

“Join again next year.”

And DTM Trish De Jesus said,

“You’ve got potential.”

That’s when I understood the heart of Toastmasters mentoring:
Mentors don’t just teach you how to speak — they teach you how to believe in yourself.

Fast forward to today — I’m no longer afraid of giving speeches. In fact, it has become one of my favorite things to do!

And that’s exactly what mentoring in Toastmasters is all about —
Turning fear into confidence, and nervous speakers into brave storytellers.

To my mentors — thank you.
For your patience, your tough love, your truth.
You didn’t just mentor me… you molded me.

(Smile, heartfelt tone)

Now, when people ask,

“What’s the purpose of mentoring in Toastmasters?”

I answer —

It’s to build not just better speakers, but braver hearts.