Find Your Voice with the Keene Toastmasters Club

Public speaking is one of the most common fears people face, and for many, the idea of speaking in front of a group can be deeply intimidating. But with the right support, anyone can develop the confidence and communication skills needed to thrive in both personal and professional settings. That's exactly what the Keene Toastmasters Club offers — an encouraging, structured environment where individuals of all backgrounds can grow at their own pace. Dr. Rudra Aryal, the newly elected president of the Keene Toastmasters Club for the 2025–2026 term, is a firm believer in the power of Toastmasters to transform lives. "Whether you're a business leader, teacher, student, retiree or stay-at-home parent, Toastmasters enables you to express yourself more clearly and confidently — in public speaking, meetings and even family conversations." Dr. Aryal, a physics faculty member at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, brings energy and commitment to his new leadership role. He's particularly passionate about maintaining an inclusive and supportive atmosphere within the club. "Everyone at a Toastmasters meeting feels welcome and valued, whether they are complete beginners or advanced speakers," he said. "There's no rush and no pressure. The program allows members to progress at their own pace." Founded in 1924 by Ralph C. Smedley in Southern California, Toastmasters International has been around for 100 years. Over the past century, the organization has grown from a single club into a worldwide network of more than 16,800 clubs across 143 countries. The Keene Toastmasters Club is proud to have contributed to that legacy, serving the local community for 40 of those years. What sets Toastmasters apart is its learn-by-doing approach. The program is designed around practical experience, real-time feedback and peer support. Members develop a wide range of communication and leadership skills through structured speech projects, participation in meetings and mentorship from more experienced members. Whether someone is preparing for a work presentation, a community leadership role or simply wants to become more articulate in everyday conversations, the tools provided by Toastmasters are widely applicable. Each club meeting follows a proven format that includes prepared speeches and impromptu speaking exercises called Table Topics. These exercises help members think on their feet and improve their ability to organize thoughts quickly, an essential skill for many real-world situations. Feedback is a key part of the Toastmasters process, and members are encouraged to support one another in a constructive and respectful way. "Each time you speak, an evaluator provides encouragement, highlights your strengths and offers thoughtful suggestions for improvement," said Dr. Aryal. "Encouragement and improvement go hand in hand." Leadership development is another core element of Toastmasters. Members not only practice communication but also take on roles that enhance their ability to lead meetings, manage teams and guide others through the Toastmasters educational program. Supporting Dr. Aryal in the club's leadership are two highly experienced members: Larry Wood, a Distinguished Toastmaster serving as Vice President of Education and Vice President of Membership, and Michael Aron, also a Distinguished Toastmaster, who serves as Secretary and Treasurer. The Keene Toastmasters Club meets twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays. To accommodate diverse schedules and preferences, meetings are offered in a hybrid format — both in person and online. The in-person meetings are held at the Keene Courthouse located at 12 Court St., on the second floor in the Delegation Hall. To learn more or to attend a meeting, visit www.keene.toastmastersclubs.org or contact Dr. Aryal directly at rudramiami@gmail.com.