I first found Toastmasters of Paris in 2014 when a good friend of ours suggested I might enjoy and benefit from the experience of public speaking. As an analyst and strategic planner in various tech sectors, I was experienced with running meetings and presenting initiatives to groups, but simply standing up in front of a room and speaking uninterrupted was an unusual and scary proposition for me.

Through Toastmasters, I have learned that while practice may not entirely overcome the fear many of us associate with public speaking, it can certainly normalize it and make it manageable. Professionally, I still don’t give many speeches, but I can see how the skills and lessons that I have learned at Toastmasters have helped with every type of communication in my life.

My improvement is in no small part due to Toastmasters of Paris: our club is full of supportive people who are willing to give constructive feedback and demonstrate their own skills, even as they’re trying to improve themselves too. It’s my honor to be the Club President this year, as I want to give back to the club that has given me such a valuable opportunity to grow.

Recently retired, I was looking to improve my social life. Diversity, speaking English, and intellectual stimulation were at the top of my wish list.

With Toastmasters of Paris, I found so much more. It challenged my abilities to promote the club, increase membership, and animate a team of talented, enthusiastic people from different walks of life.

Through the roles that I played in the club, I was able to achieve these goals : making new friends, gaining greater self-confidence and finding a supportive learning environment.

Hello! This is Josep.

Spanish by birth, I identify myself as a citizen of the world. I am living in Paris. Prior to that, I lived in Beijing and Milan, among others.

I am a passionate traveler. The more remote the place is, the more joyful I am! Portrait photography being my favorite, I never miss the chance to take a myriad of pictures while traveling. I am also a watercolor painter with a passion for landscapes, I hope one day to make an exhibition and make my first sale! (Disclaimer: the first buyer gets a discount!).

Since I joined, I have taken several positions such as Sergeant-At-Arms and VP Education. Always open to new challenges!

Come as a guest and no doubt you will enjoy the experience. You will recognize me easily; I am the one arriving at the place with a bike!

I‘ve always been attracted to speaking in public and having an audience. But this doesn’t mean I knew what I was doing. I joined Toastmasters to practice my public speaking skills and learn from others. 

Suffice to say I wasn’t disappointed! Toastmasters of Paris is a true community, where everyone is welcome. It’s a safe space for anyone who wants to work on their public speaking, practice their leadership skills and meet new people. 

I enjoy Toastmasters so much that I want to spread the word about it. That’s why I joined the Executive Committee as VP Public Relations, promoting the Club’s upcoming meetings. 

Four years ago, I heard about Toastmasters on the radio and attended Toastmasters of Paris as a guest. I enjoyed the ambiance and was really impressed by the level of the speakers.

I still remember how Peter Kenton, our club founder, welcomed me; he is now my mentor.

Every time I go to the restaurant and give a speech, I realize how lucky I am to be part of such a family, a truly multicultural family that combines all generations with a common goal – to improve our public speaking.

I’d received so much from the club that I wanted to give something back, and so, for the last three years, I have had the privilege of serving as Treasurer. 

This club gave me the confidence and leadership skills I needed to thrive in both life and work.

I came to Toastmasters of Paris. What I found was a welcoming community where the members provide the support and encouragement to grow.

As the VP of Membership I thought I was going to work on my leadership skills and ended up working my social skills as well.

Every meeting is filled with useful informative, funny, and inspirational speeches. Undoubtedly one of the best aspects of the club is the people that make up the club.