Toastmasters International -5 Questions With Radhi Spear, DTM

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This month we’re talking to Radhi Spear, DTM, Toastmasters’ 2024–2025 International President, who has a wealth of knowledge about club excellence and growth. She believes strongly in touting the benefits of Toastmasters to others. To that end, Radhi championed the Plus One Pledge during her presidential term—a pledge drive asking each member to bring a guest to a club meeting.

Here are some of her insights on how to help your club excel—and grow.

What is your top tip to build club membership?

Advertise, advertise, advertise! Clubs must promote themselves constantly from the day they are chartered—and pair that with an enjoyable, high-quality meeting experience.

Promotion brings guests in, but what converts them into members is what they see and experience during the meeting. When guests feel genuinely welcomed, see a well-set-up room, and experience an organized meeting with active participation, they sense the energy, feel the camaraderie, and clearly see the value the club offers.

What are common elements of successful clubs?

Successful clubs fill meeting roles, keep to time, and invite guests to participate in Table Topics, usually after a member has modeled how it’s done. These clubs make the guests feel included and demonstrate that the club is a supportive community, committed to helping one another succeed.

What is your favorite thing to see when you visit a club?

I love seeing the pride a club has in itself and its members. Especially when its banner is proudly displayed with ribbons that showcase its achievements. Clubs that take pride in their accomplishments invariably run great meetings, provide value to their members, and make you want to be part of that successful club!

What makes Toastmasters clubs so unique?

Toastmasters clubs help you develop essential communication and leadership skills—along with many other soft skills that are crucial for success in everyday life—in a truly supportive environment. This leads to greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Toastmasters is unique because it blends learning, practice, and community in a way no other resource can.

Why do you feel it’s particularly important for members to bring guests to meetings?

In my opinion, everyone needs Toastmasters. Our world faces numerous challenges, and somewhere out there are scientists, doctors, engineers, financial experts, and professionals in every field who hold the answers, yet some lack the communication skills to share their ideas effectively. They need Toastmasters, and we need them!

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