The VSF Toastmasters Club has consistently earned “Distinguished Club” status since its founding in January 2020. From its beginnings with 15 members, the club has grown into a vibrant community that thrives on a shared commitment to growth, creativity, and camaraderie.
What sets VSF Toastmasters apart isn’t just its recognition but its deliberate choice to embrace honest feedback, dynamic creativity, and a sense of fun. This combination has fostered a deeply engaged and supportive environment where members push one another to grow and achieve. Let’s dive into each of these ingredients.
- Honest Feedback: The Backbone of Growth
At VSF Toastmasters, feedback isn’t about being polite, it’s about being useful. Members understand that truly constructive feedback might sting, but they see it as a gift that paves the way for meaningful improvement. Instead of settling for surface-level niceties, evaluators at VSF dig deeper, offering actionable advice tailored to help speakers elevate their skills.
This approach didn’t come naturally. Early on, the club wrestled with hesitation to offer direct critiques. Over time, members embraced the mindset that genuine care for one another means delivering feedback that’s both honest and empowering. Today, the culture of VSF reflects a shared understanding–it’s better to offer one hard truth that spurs growth than ten kind words that leave someone stagnant.
Takeaway: Clubs thrive when members commit to providing feedback that challenges and inspires growth. Honest, constructive evaluations should focus on actionable suggestions, delivered with care and respect.
VSF member Venkat Vemulapally shares,“Toastmasters has been instrumental in my seamless transition from a lead role to a director’s role at my workplace, helping me build confidence and communication skills. It has empowered me to lead with clarity, influence, and professionalism in every interaction.”
- Creativity: Elevating the Ordinary
VSF Toastmasters doesn’t settle for ordinary meetings. The club has made the intentional decision to infuse its gatherings with creativity, turning every session into a dynamic and engaging experience. Table Topics become spirited improv exercises, speeches are enhanced with props and storytelling, and themes are woven into meetings to make them unforgettable. For example, the club had a presidential debate-style Table Topics session on a social topic, moderated by the Table Topics Master; similarly for another Table Topics session, the club tried story building as one member continued the story from the previous member to make a larger fun story.
This culture of creativity ensures that meetings remain fresh, exciting, and fun. It also encourages members to take risks and step outside their comfort zones, knowing they’ll be supported and inspired by the club.
Takeaway: Creative meetings energize clubs and motivate members to explore new ideas. Introducing themes, unique formats, or playful challenges can transform a club into a hub of innovation.
VSF member Shalini Parigi shares, “Be it sharing an idea, project presentation, or just plain conversation, speaking confidently to the unknown is what I have learned so far in Toastmasters.”
- Camaraderie: Built Through Purpose and Fun
Camaraderie at VSF Toastmasters is no accident, it’s the result of intentional choices. The club’s commitment to honest feedback and creative freedom fosters trust and connection among members. When people are free to be authentic, take risks, and grow together, a deep sense of community naturally follows.
This isn’t a group of people who simply gather to tick boxes or follow a script. Members celebrate each other’s successes, learn from each other’s setbacks, and share both their professional and personal journeys. The result is a support system that feels more like family.
Takeaway: Camaraderie is built when clubs prioritize authenticity and shared experiences. Encouraging members to connect beyond the formal structure of meetings can strengthen bonds and enhance the overall club experience.
VSF member Dolly Kamisetty shares, “From infinite “Ahs” counted to that “Aha, I can do it!” moment, VSF Toastmasters has helped me practice and polish my speaking skills while having unlimited fun.”
A Culture of Intentional Excellence
The members of VSF Toastmasters have cultivated a culture that is as intentional as it is inspiring. Their commitment to providing honest feedback, embracing creativity, and fostering a sense of fun has not only propelled the club to success but also created an environment where people can thrive.
This success stems from deliberate choices. It’s easy to be polite, but offering meaningful feedback requires courage and care. It’s simple to follow a meeting template, but choosing to infuse every gathering with energy and creativity requires effort and imagination. VSF Toastmasters demonstrates that when members are willing to go all in, the rewards are immeasurable
By Srinath Sura, VSF Toastmasters Club
VSF Toastmasters Club