In my late 20s, I was afraid to speak during job interviews. I remember searching online:
“How do I become more self-confident?” — and that’s how I discovered Toastmasters.
I joined Toastmasters with one simple goal: to become more confident when speaking to
interviewers. At my very first meeting, I was a nervous wreck. But by the time I delivered my fifth
speech, I felt a shift — I had started to find my voice.
At the first club I visited, I was nervous and unsure. When I visited a second club, I immediately felt
welcomed. The members were kind, supportive, and made me feel like I belonged. I joined that club and officially
became a Toastmasters member.
Toastmasters helped me become more comfortable speaking to people. The encouraging environment and
positive feedback from members made a huge difference. One member even became my mentor, guiding me as I
improved. Over time, my communication and public speaking skills began to grow — and so did my confidence.
A few years later, I began developing my leadership skills by serving as Vice President of Education.
Then, as President, I learned how to lead a team effectively and help others grow through roles like General
Evaluator and Speaker. It was incredibly rewarding to see others build their confidence just like I did.
In my speeches, I often talk about my journey with self-confidence and self-esteem, and how
Toastmasters made a lasting impact on my life. I especially enjoy delivering humorous speeches — one of my
favorites is titled:“Build Self-Esteem, Lead with Strength.”
So far, I’ve participated in two Toastmasters International Speech Contests, competing at the club, area, and
division levels. I’ll be honest: in my first contest, I was so nervous I had long pauses during my speech. But by the
second contest, I was still nervous — but calm, composed, and proud of my progress.
Toastmasters has given me new friends, a mentor, and a community that has supported my growth every
step of the way. I’m deeply grateful for everything my club has helped me become.
“I didn’t start out confident. I started out afraid — of interviews, of speaking, of being seen.
But I showed up anyway. With support, practice, and belief, I became the
confident woman I once hoped to be. If I can do it, so can you.”
This isn’t just my story — it’s an invitation to begin your own.
— Beatriz, Toastmaster, Speaker & Leader
If my story resonated with you — you're not alone.
Visit the Confidence Corner to explore more tools, stories, and encouragement to help you build your own self-esteem.
Start with the first blog post:
“Building Your Confidence: Practical Steps for Women Entrepreneurs” – written to guide you step-by-step on your confidence journey.
As I reflect on my speaking journey, I’ve come to realize how
valuable public speaking is — especially for women entrepreneurs.
Whether you're pitching your business, sharing your story, or leading
a team, the ability to speak clearly and confidently can open doors
that would otherwiseremain closed.
For many women, stepping into the spotlight doesn’t always
come naturally. We often second-guess ourselves, downplay our
expertise, or struggle to be heard. Public speaking helps break through that. It teaches us how to own our
voice, command attention, and communicate our value with clarity and conviction.
When a woman speaks confidently about her business — whether in a meeting, a networking event, or
on stage — she’s not just representing her brand. She’s showing others what leadership looks like. She
becomes a role model for others who are still finding their voice.
Toastmasters gave me a safe space to practice this. It allowed me to fail forward — to make mistakes,
learn, and grow in front of a supportive audience. Over time, I learned how to speak not just with confidence,
but with purpose and impact.
For women entrepreneurs, public speaking is more than a skill — it’s a business asset. It helps you build
credibility, attract clients, connect with business partners, and inspire your audience. Every time you speak,
you’re not just sharing information — you’re building trust.
My hope is that more women embrace the power of their voice. The world needs to hear
from you. And public speaking is a powerful way to be heard.
Coming soon: Get my free guide — A 5-Minute Morning Ritual to Start Thinking Positively.
Designed for women entrepreneurs who want to build confidence with simple, daily mindset shifts.
Check back soon or follow me for updates.
Looking for a simple way to build a more positive mindset?
Download my free guide:
✨ 5-Minute Morning Ritual to Start Thinking Positively
This quick, daily routine is designed to help you:
It’s perfect for busy women entrepreneurs who want to lead with clarity and calm — starting first thing in the morning.
➡️ Download your free guide »