Your first speech

Don't set the bar at instant eloquence and effortless charm. It's completely normal to have some nerves — we're all here to learn and grow, beginners included. Embrace your authenticity, sprinkle in some humour if it suits you, and don't take yourself too seriously. A bit of self-deprecating humour can ease the tension nicely.

If talking about yourself feels overwhelming, here's a list to narrow things down:

• A cherished passion or hobby
• A common thread running through your life
• Your career journey
• Why you decided to try public speaking
• Your family background and origin story
• A challenge you've overcome
• A proud accomplishment
• A favourite travel adventure
• An unusual job you've had

A few things that help

• Rehearse section by section — get comfortable with each part before moving to the next
• Visualise your audience while you practise; it primes your body as well as your mind
• Think of it as a series of one-on-one conversations rather than addressing a crowd
• Slow down — nerves tend to speed speeches up
• Take deep breaths to shift nervous energy into something more relaxed
• Vary your tone, pace, and energy — monotone is what loses a room
• Don't be afraid of a pause; it gives your words room to land

In a nutshell: your Ice Breaker is a chance to introduce yourself and start honing your presentation skills. Nobody expects perfection — that's exactly why you're here.

Coordinating your introduction & evaluation

Before you step up, connect with whoever is introducing you — let them know how you'd like to be introduced (see Introducing a Speaker). Talk to your evaluator too, and share what you'd like them to focus on.

Your evaluator will give feedback on both content and delivery. Trust yourself, slow down, and go easy on yourself. Toastmasters is about growth and support — remember, it's the speech under evaluation, not you.