Welcome to
University of Toronto
Toastmasters
About Us
At UofT Toastmasters, we create a supportive environment where everyone can improve their public speaking and leadership skills.
​
We originally began as an engineering student club in 2004, but today our members are students and non-students! Since then, we've helped hundreds of students rise above their fears, grow into incredible speakers, and live as stronger leaders. We want to help you realize your potential too! Associated with Toastmasters International,
We are open to all guests and welcome every one to visit our regular meetings.
Meetings
We're hybrid! Join us in-person* in Burwash Room (#2005) in Hart House or online on Zoom (Meeting ID 532 840 6692)
*Location subject to change.
​
Until December 6, 2023, our weekly meetings will alternate between Wednesdays and Thursdays. Based off the semester week system:
Odd (weeks 1, 3, 5...): Wednesday
Even (weeks 2, 4, 6...): Thursday
*Reading week meeting day is TBD, as it is between weeks 8 and 9
​
See our calendar for accurate dates:
President's Welcome
On behalf of the executive team and club members, Welcome to U of T Toastmasters! We aim to provide a supportive environment for our members which allows them to build and improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Above all else, though, we work with each and every single member with one aim in mind - to help them get ever closer to becoming the Toastmaster.
​
What is the Toastmaster? Simply put, the Toastmaster can be defined in any way you see fit, but it all describes one thing - the complete public speaker. The Toastmaster is an adaptable creature that can deliver any speech, whether humorous, serious, or educational, to any kind of audience, whether it's a group of children or a large crowd of academics, under any circumstance. They wow the audience with their control, mesmerize with their words and convince with their message. The Toastmaster is a public speaker without fear, a leader whom others look to, an evaluator who can provide support and tips to their peers, and a teammate who helps their family improve.
​
The Toastmaster is no mythic figure, but one that we can all work towards. Within our family, that means supporting each other in our speaking and life goals and helping build upon each other's aims. Within our lives, that means changing our worldview and being persistent with our learning, effort, and growth. We can all be the Toastmaster because we've come from the same place - having this childhood fear of speaking in front of an audience. We are all conquerors, Toastmasters, and leaders in our way - it is only for us to discover. We believe we can help you on this road of discovery, and we invite you to join our meetings and become part of our wonderful Toastmasters family!
​
Adham Ragab
President, University of Toronto Toastmasters
Meet the Executive Team
Tan Lin
Secretary
Hi, my name is Tan. I've done 20+ speeches at Toastmasters and have grown to enjoy speaking. I am excited about having interesting experiences and meeting new people. If you drop by, give me a wave and tell me what makes you special! ​
Jason Jiang
VP Education
Hey all, I'm a recent life sci graduate, and I'm excited to continue with Toastmasters! I joined Toastmasters to supercharge my communication skills, and I'm excited to help you on your journey with us. I'm always down to chat science, books and music (especially 90s indie rock)
Adham Ragab
President
I am an engineering student going into my last year of undergraduate studies. This is my second stint as Club President, and I hope to share all that I know about this club and public speaking with each and every one of you!
I have a passion for public speaking and firmly believe that with the right environment, support, and coaching, anyone can derive fun and enjoyment from public speaking and become the Toastmaster - the complete public speaker. My background is in debating and Model United Nations, but have been a part of Toastmasters for the last 4 years. This world has given so much to me, and I hope it gives as much to all of you!
Saron Nigusie
Treasurer
Saron is still learning the art of public speaking, and what better way to learn than with kind, like-minded individuals? U of T Toastmasters has shown her the true value of possessing strong communication skills. In her free time, she enjoys running, biking and playing Sudoku. Feel free to contact her directly regarding your public speaking journey, or anything else for that matter. She is thrilled to be your Treasurer this term, and is looking forward to having you join us at our meetings!
Samantha Dudra
VP Membership
Hi, my name is Sam and I am a graduate student in Chemistry. I joined Toastmasters to improve my presentations skills, and to feel more comfortable when speaking in front of others. I am super excited to be joining the executive team as VP Membership. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about joining our club!
Makoto Takahara
Sergeant At Arms
Hey guys, my name is Makoto! I am a third year undergraduate student in statistics. I joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking and leadership skills, and I am so excited to grow with all of you.
Arlene Wang
VP Public Relations
Hi there! I'm Arlene. I'm here at Toastmasters for the community culture, so I'm on a mission to share it with more people. I'm probably the only sociology and computer science student you know.
Join our community!
We have different types of attendees, including free and paid options:
​
Guests can:
- Sign-up for Meeting Roles (e.g. Table Topics Master), except Evaluator roles
- Deliver Table Topic speeches
Always free
Student members can:
As a student member you can:
- Practice Non-Toastmasters Speeches (For External Events/Assignments)
- Guest abilities included
Requires UofT Student Status, free membership
Toastmasters International members can:
- Deliver Toastmasters Speeches (Prepared speeches)
- Evaluate speeches
- Guest abilities included
Requires paying Toastmasters International Membership Dues @ $10 USD/month
To join us as any of the above, fill out the form below!
FAQ
-
When do you meet?We meet once a week during fall, winter and summer semesters, except exam seasons. The seasonal meeting days are posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages (as well as right below). We post about our weekly meeting and what we've done in them! You can follow who we are, what we believe in, and what we are proud to share as a family. If you want to see some of our speeches, then check out our YouTube Channel. In the mean time, feel free to sign up for our email list on this website, and you will be able to receive our newsletters to update you on our meeting details.
-
What topic can I speak about?As a guest, you are welcome to participate in the Table Topics sessions where you will give a short improvised speech on a randomly chosen topic. As a member, you will have access to the education program Pathways by Toastmasters International. There are 11 paths for you to choose from, and each path focuses on a specific aspect of public speaking and leadership skills, such as Dynamic Leadership, Engaging Humor, Persuasive Influence, etc. You will receive training materials for each project and deliver speeches to improve your skills.
Get in touch
Find us on our social media: