Professional Speakers Toastmasters Club

Overview

Professional Speakers Toastmasters Club is one of the oldest Toastmasters clubs in Australia, chartered in 1966 and situated in the heart of the Sydney CBD. The club helps members from all walks of life develop public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through a structured yet warm and supportive program. With a culture that balances a serious commitment to better speaking with plenty of humour and light-hearted banter, it offers a welcoming, professional environment for anyone ready to grow their voice.

Best For

• Working professionals seeking to sharpen presentation and communication skills for career advancement
• Newcomers to public speaking who want a beginner-friendly, structured pathway to confidence
• Experienced speakers and leaders looking to refine their craft, take on club roles, and pursue the Toastmasters Pathways education program

Meeting Format

• Mode: Hybrid (in-person and online via Zoom)
• Frequency: Twice monthly — every 1st and 3rd Tuesday
• Duration: 2 hours (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm; some sources indicate sessions may run until 9:00 pm)
• Group size: Not publicly specified; typical of a mid-sized Toastmasters club with an eclectic mix of ages, speaking abilities, and nationalities

Typical Session Flow

1. Arrival / check-in — Doors open from approximately 6:20 pm; guests and members settle in before the 6:30 pm start; a Sergeant-at-Arms opens the meeting formally
2. Prepared speeches — Members deliver structured speeches drawn from the Toastmasters Pathways education program, covering a range of communication and leadership competencies
3. Table Topics (impromptu speaking) — Participants are invited to respond to spontaneous questions or prompts in short, off-the-cuff speeches, building quick-thinking and confidence
4. Evaluations and feedback — Each prepared speech receives a dedicated evaluator's feedback; Table Topics speakers receive brief evaluations; a General Evaluator reviews the overall meeting; a Grammarian highlights language use and introduces a Word of the Day
5. Networking / wrap-up — The meeting closes with awards, announcements, and informal networking among members and guests

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome
• Beginner friendly: Yes — everyone in the club was once a first-time speaker; the program is self-paced and guests are never pressured to participate until they feel comfortable

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: Guests may attend meetings free of charge with no obligation; multiple visits are encouraged before committing
• Membership fee: Approximately AUD $10–20 per month on an ongoing basis (charged semi-annually); an initial one-time joining fee of approximately AUD $100 applies, which may include the first period of membership. Contact the club directly for current exact figures, as fees are subject to periodic review by Toastmasters International
• Extra costs: Venue hire or other meeting-room charges may apply; the Toastmasters Pathways online education program is included with membership

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: The Norman Selfe Room, Level 3, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (SMSA), 280 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 — situated between Bathurst and Park Streets in the CBD, inside the heritage-listed Lincoln House building
• Transit/parking: Town Hall and Museum train stations are the closest rail options; George Street buses stop at Town Hall and the QVB; Elizabeth Street buses stop at Hyde Park near Bathurst Street; after-hours paid parking is available at the nearby Queen Victoria Building (QVB) and several surrounding parking stations
• Accessibility: The SMSA entrance on Pitt Street is accessible via ramp or stairs; all levels including Level 3 are served by lifts; all areas are wheelchair-accessible; an accessible toilet is located on the ground floor to the right of the lifts; assistance and guide dogs are welcome

Joining Steps

1. Make contact — Reach out to the club via the website contact form or through the Vice President Membership before your first visit to ensure a warm welcome and receive any Zoom link or meeting details
2. Attend as a guest — Simply show up at 6:20 pm for a 6:30 pm start; no preparation is required for a first visit — just bring curiosity and an open mind
3. Experience the meeting — Observe prepared speeches, Table Topics, and evaluations; you may be invited (but never pressured) to take part in Table Topics; speak with members afterwards to ask questions and learn about joining

Community Notes

• The club describes its culture as "serious about better speaking" balanced with a great deal of humour and light-hearted banter — professional in focus but never stiff or intimidating
• Constructive, structured feedback is central to every meeting; evaluators highlight strengths and offer specific, actionable suggestions for improvement in a positive, encouraging manner
• The membership is notably diverse — an eclectic mix of ages, professional backgrounds, speaking abilities, and nationalities — making it easy for newcomers from any background to feel at home
• Online attendance via Zoom is fully supported, making the club accessible to members who cannot always attend in person
• Club Number: 00003440 | Charter Date: 1 October 1966 | District 70, Area C01

Last Verified

• Date: 2025-05-24