Three years ago, if someone had told me that I would one day win the First Prize at the Club level International Speech Contest, I would have smiled politely and quietly dismissed the idea. Not because I lacked ambition, but because I lacked something many people struggle with silently: the confidence to speak.
My introduction to Toastmasters was completely unplanned. I had no clue what a Toastmasters meeting even was when I walked into my very first meeting as a guest at Kathmandu Toastmasters Club. My intention was simple: to network, meet people, and maybe make a few friends. What I didn’t know was that this one meeting would change the course of my personal and professional journey. Coincidentally, that day was special. The club was distributing awards to members who had represented the club at the District-level International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest during Oration 2023 in India. Two young ladies took the stage and shared their experiences – stories of fear, courage, learning, and growth. As I listened, completely captivated, a quiet question formed in my mind: “Will I ever reach there?”
Ironically, I was probably the most introverted person present in the room. When the Table Topics session began, the fear of public speaking hit me hard. I couldn’t raise my hand. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t even imagine standing up in front of people and sharing my thoughts. That was the moment I realized how real (and paralyzing) the fear of public speaking can be. Yet, that same day, something shifted within me. I remember thinking, “Okay, I’m joining this club.” Not because I suddenly became fearless, but because I felt inspired. I had walked in just to network, but I walked out with a desire to grow.
What followed was a journey filled with encouragement, stumbles, learning curves, and immense support. Kathmandu Toastmasters Club became my safe space, a place where making mistakes wasn’t embarrassing, but encouraged; where feedback wasn’t criticism, but a gift; and where growth was celebrated, no matter how small. It taught me that communication isn’t only about speaking in front of 100 people. It matters just as much when speaking to one person, being effective, interpersonal, and impactful. After all, first impressions often become lasting impressions.
Until last year, participating in the International Speech Contest (ISC) felt far beyond my comfort zone. I chose to participate only in the Table Topics Contest, telling myself that impromptu speaking was the safer choice. But this year, something inside me nudged me forward. I told myself, “At least try. What’s there to lose?”
Standing on stage on 8 December 2025, surrounded by incredibly talented fellow speakers, doubt crept in once again. Everyone was so good. The pressure was constant, and I questioned whether I truly belonged there. But perhaps the stars aligned that day or perhaps it was the result of consistent practice, a supportive club, and mentors who believed in me even when I doubted myself. When my name was announced as the winner, the moment felt surreal. More than the trophy, it was the validation of the journey that mattered, the silent guest who couldn’t raise her hand had finally found her voice.
This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my Kathmandu Toastmasters family, who gave me a safe and nurturing environment to make mistakes, accept feedback, learn, and grow. I am deeply grateful to my mentor, TM Ankush Adhikari, for his guidance, belief, and honest encouragement; to our President, TM Namita Thapa, for her constant motivation and leadership; and to our Vice President Education, TM Ranjana Koirala, for her continuous support and reassurance throughout this journey.
All in all, it has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience – one that I will always cherish. As I prepare to represent my club at the Area level, I carry with me not just a speech, but a story of courage, community, and growth. If this journey has taught me anything, it is this: you don’t need to be confident to begin. You just need to begin and confidence will follow you.
Kathmandu Toastmasters Club meets every Monday from 5:45 PM onward at Blue Bird Mall, Suma Kitchen, Tripureshwor.
