Quintessence Toastmasters Club

Overview

Quintessence Toastmasters Club is a long-established public speaking and leadership development club proudly serving the Adelaide CBD for over 25 years. Operating under the global Toastmasters International framework, the club follows the structured Pathways educational programme and offers a warm, positive, and low-pressure environment where members of all backgrounds can build confidence, sharpen communication skills, and grow as leaders. As a smaller club, it provides frequent and meaningful opportunities for every member to speak, receive feedback, and take on meeting roles.

Best For

• Professionals seeking to improve workplace communication and presentation skills
• Individuals with a fear of public speaking who want a safe, supportive space to build confidence
• Anyone interested in leadership development, impromptu thinking, and community connection

Meeting Format

• Mode: Offline (in-person)
• Frequency: Twice monthly — 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (doors open 6:00 pm, formal start 6:15 pm, finish by 8:30 pm)
• Group size: Smaller club; typically a compact, close-knit group of members and occasional guests

Typical Session Flow

1. Arrival & check-in — Doors open at 6:00 pm; a club member greets guests, explains the meeting format, and answers questions before the 6:15 pm start
2. Opening & roles — The Sergeant at Arms sets up the room and delivers housekeeping; the Toastmaster of the Evening (MC) introduces participants and leads proceedings; a Word of the Day and Ah-Counter role are assigned to sharpen language awareness
3. Table Topics — An impromptu speaking segment where participants are invited (never forced) to speak briefly on an unannounced topic, building on-the-spot thinking skills
4. Prepared speeches — Typically two to four members deliver structured speeches aligned with their Pathways programme goals, each timed by the Timekeeper
5. Evaluations & reports — Each prepared speaker receives individual feedback from a designated Evaluator; the Grammarian, Ah-Counter, and Timekeeper deliver their reports
6. Networking & social dinner — After the formal meeting wraps up by 8:30 pm, members and guests are welcome to join an optional social dinner at The Saracen's Head nearby (at own expense)

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome, from complete beginners to experienced speakers
• Beginner friendly: Yes — guests and new members are never put on the spot; participation in Table Topics is entirely optional and only with prior consent. A mentor can be assigned to new members to guide their early journey

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Guests may attend meetings free of charge with no obligation; multiple visits are welcome before any commitment is required
• Membership fee: A one-off joining fee plus ongoing membership fees apply upon joining; these cover enrolment with both Toastmasters International and the Quintessence club. The one-off Toastmasters International component covers the introductory Pathways educational programme. Contact the Vice President of Membership (VPM) directly for current fee amounts, as these are not publicly listed
• Extra costs: Social dinner after meetings is optional and at the member's own expense; no other extra costs publicly specified

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: The Parish Hall of St Mary Magdalene's Anglican Church, 26 Moore St, Adelaide CBD, SA 5000 — a heritage church tucked away on Moore Street in the heart of the city
• Transit/parking: The venue is centrally located in the Adelaide CBD and well served by public transport. Free and metered on-street parking is available in the immediate area, and a paid parking station is located next to the church
• Accessibility: The church hall is wheelchair accessible via a step-free alternate entrance; an accessible toilet is available within the hall. No designated wheelchair-accessible car parking on site

Joining Steps

1. Make contact — Reach out to the club via the contact form on the club's official website, or phone the club directly; the Vice President of Membership (VPM) will respond with information and answer any questions
2. Attend as a guest — Simply turn up on a 2nd or 4th Tuesday from 6:00 pm; no preparation is needed and there is no obligation to speak
3. First visit experience — A club member will welcome you, explain the meeting structure, and ensure you feel comfortable. You may choose to participate in Table Topics if you wish, but there is absolutely no pressure to do so
4. Join as a member — If you decide to join, pay the one-off joining fee and ongoing membership fees; you will be formally initiated, assigned a mentor if desired, and begin your Pathways learning journey with scheduled speaking opportunities

Community Notes

• The club prides itself on a constructive, encouraging, and low-pressure culture — feedback is always framed positively with a focus on growth rather than criticism
• As a smaller club, members benefit from more frequent speaking slots and a tighter-knit community feel compared to larger clubs
• Meetings include an Acknowledgement of Country recognising the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land
• The optional post-meeting dinner at a nearby venue is a well-established social tradition that strengthens the club's community bonds
• Membership is open to all — there are no restrictions based on background, experience, or profession
• Club Number: 00008549 | Charter Date: 1 December 1991 | Area C11, District 73

Last Verified

• Date: 2026-05-24