How Gwangju Toastmasters Club Transformed My Life as an Introverted Communicator

By Philippe Coulon

In August 2022, during a visit to the Gwangju International Center for a chess tournament, I stumbled upon a group that would change my life. However, my initial impression could not have been more wrong. I thought I was joining a culinary workshop on making toast, but I quickly realized that I had stumbled upon a Gwangju Toastmasters Club meeting. This non-profit international organization aimed to help its members improve their communication and leadership skills while boosting their self-confidence.

A Timid Start (and a Delicious Misunderstanding)

Imagine my surprise when I walked into the meeting room, expecting to learn how to prepare tasty toast, only to discover something entirely different. It was not a cooking workshop; it was an experience focused on personal development and public speaking. I had to set aside my disappointment and embrace the opportunity to become a better communicator.

A Positive Learning Environment

Gwangju Toastmasters Club offers a unique learning environment where mistakes are embraced with kindness, and members encourage each other to grow. I soon realized that my culinary skills were not as crucial as I had thought because I had found a group of people willing to help me develop my communication skills without the fear of getting burned.

The Power of Public Speaking

Over the weeks, I discovered the liberating power of public speaking. Prepared speeches and improvisation exercises helped me overcome my shyness. I learned to harness humor to captivate the audience’s attention and build connections. Gwangju Toastmasters Club became much more than just an association for me. It became a playground for developing my communication skills.

A Springboard to Leadership and Exciting Encounters

Gwangju Toastmasters Club offered me much more than communication skills. Through the leadership opportunities within the club, I developed team management and event organization skills. I met incredible individuals, all driven by the desire to improve and grow. Together, we formed a community where laughter, learning, and mutual support thrived. If you are looking for an unexpected and rewarding experience on a Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., look no further than Gwangju Toastmasters Club meetings. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a new side of yourself, flourish as a communicator, and meet like-minded individuals. As Dale Carnegie once said, “People who succeed in life are those who have mastered oral expression.”

The Author

Philippe Coulon, a retired French language visiting professor from Belgium, has taught at Korean universities for over 25 years. Having relocated from Seoul to Chuncheon, then to Suncheon and finally settling in Gwangju in 2023, Philippe continues to pursue his passion for language and cultural exchange.