by Ren La Porte
New to networking? Yes this means walking into a room where you may not know anyone there. You want to enjoy the moment but where do you start? It may surprise you that many people are in the same boat; they know what it feels like and so, are happy to reach out and chat! YOU just have to show interest.
DEMYSTIFYING NETWORKING
For new-comers to Toastmasters, fear of the unknown/excitement may be giving you a slight adrenalin rush. Rest assured, it doesn’t take long to find, you are welcomed. Toastmasters has many people whose role incorporates making new-comer’s feel welcome. Every Toastmaster has been ‘new’ to the group, and the last thing they want is for you to feel uncomfortable.
If you are a life-long learner, you no doubt will walk away from your experience with new friends and new knowledge. The hardest part is the start… walking up to a group of already chatting people and forming part of the circle. People will generally make space for you, smile or even include you in the conversation. What’s the worst that can happen? They don’t? So, worst case scenario, you move to another group. Let curiosity be your driver.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE ROOM?
- Be yourself!
- Genuinely listen to what people have to say and be fully present in the conversation.
- Give yourself time. Come in early. This helps to make your space familiar; What does the room look like? What is your preferred seating style? Would you like to order food/drink? Who would you like to engage conversation with?
- Reach out and introduce yourself. Make a new friend!
‘According to Pew Research Center, 61% of U.S. adults say having close friends is key to live a fulfilling life. As a point of comparison, only 23% of U.S. adults say that being married is important to a fulfilling life, only 26% believe having children creates fulfilment, and only 24% believe having a lot of money is very important to overall happiness.’
Quote by A. Miller Littlejohn (Miller Littlejohn 2024)
WHEN YOU ARE A TOASTMASTER, YOU CAN TRAVEL THE WORLD AND BE IN WARM COMPANY
Toastmasters has been in operation for 100 years because the benefits it provides prevails over geography, demographics and languages! There are over 14,000 clubs the world over.
Results of a study in 2023 (Toastmasters International, 2025) suggested that globally:
- 61% of Toastmasters speak English.
- 3.8% speak Mandarin
- 3.0% Speak Spanish
- 2.8% Hindi
- 2.8% French
- 2.0% Tamil
- 1.5% Japanese
If you are thinking of travelling, this is a great way to network, meet new friends and even learn a language!
DIVERSITY
Part of Networking is about hearing and experiencing a diverse set of life experiences. It’s how we grow!
At Tropic City, we value our diversity and embrace mutual respect, inclusion, fairness and compassion. Our club has members from all life stages. Every member has a unique reason for being there (see https://tropiccitytoastmasters.org/timeless-toastmasters/).
Satisfaction for Toastmasters on a global level is high. In July 2024, 5.7 out of 7 members stating that they experienced overall satisfaction in Toastmasters. The Infographic below shows the seven areas from which results where derived.
At Toastmasters, we are a highly supportive culture. We focus on the common goal – supporting one another through our objectives! Being a supportive environment means that our members have pride in the group and have fun.
Now that you know we are a warm and welcoming club, why not come in and make a friend or two and see what doors open up for you!
REFERENCES
- Miller Littlejohn, A. (Mar 29, 2024). How to Start Over, Make New Friends And Refresh Your Network In 6 Steps. Forbes [blog]. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandamillerlittlejohn/2024/03/29/how-to-start-over-make-new-friends–refresh-your-network-in-6-steps/
- Statistics and Data Hub (2025). Infographics (Toastmaster Demographics – July 2023). Toastmasters International. https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/statistics-and-data-hub
Interesting Read – Championing Change
