In Geneva — a global hub hosting thousands of international professionals — effective communication and leadership are essential skills. Toastmasters International offers a proven, practical way to develop them. Founded in 1924 by Ralph C. Smedley, the organization began as a way to help young men improve their speaking skills. It has since expanded to more than 150 countries and over 400,000 members worldwide.
In Geneva, the United Nations Geneva Toastmasters club continues this legacy. Although it carries the UN name, it is an open non-profit club dedicated to helping members enhance their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through structured meetings, workshops, and supportive peer feedback.
As a member since June 2025, I have experienced firsthand how the club transforms lives through consistent, constructive practice. Each meeting blends encouragement with actionable feedback, ensuring every member’s voice is valued.
Every Toastmasters journey begins with the Icebreaker — a first speech introducing oneself to the club. It marks the transition from fear to structured expression. Since delivering mine, I have presented multiple prepared speeches, participated in contests, and received detailed evaluations that strengthened my delivery, structure, and stage presence. Recently, I earned third place in a club contest — an experience both challenging and deeply rewarding.
What distinguishes Toastmasters is its safe, non-judgmental environment. Members practice prepared speeches, receive structured evaluations, and participate in Table Topics, where they respond to impromptu prompts within one to two minutes, sharpening quick thinking and clarity under pressure.
Members also rotate through leadership roles such as Toastmaster of the Evening (facilitator), Evaluator, Grammarian, and Timer, building organizational and facilitation skills. Growth is structured through the Pathways educational program, which offers tailored learning tracks. These pathways allow members to align communication training with real career goals.
The club operates in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation. This flexibility attracts internationally mobile professionals, consultants, and students. Speeches often address cross-cultural leadership, diplomacy, global careers, and personal development.
UN Geneva Toastmasters is led by an annually elected executive team. This structure provides hands-on leadership experience while benefiting from the global Toastmasters framework.
Meetings take place bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, at SSBM Geneva Business Center, Avenue des Morgines 12.
Guests may attend in person or online by registering via the club’s Meetup page or by filling out the online form on the club’s website.
The club has experienced remarkable revitalization, growing from just four members at one point to more than 30 active paid members. Hybrid club meetings and district recognition campaigns have reinforced this upward trajectory.
The club’s strong concentration of members connected to international organizations adds a global, policy-aware dimension. Hybrid meetings and workshops further strengthen practical skill development.
Geneva currently hosts eight Toastmasters clubs. International Geneva Toastmasters (chartered in 1997) is one of Geneva’s longest-standing English-speaking clubs. It meets in person at the historic Maison Internationale des Associations and follows a traditional format emphasizing mentorship, stability, and in-person camaraderie.
Geneva’s multilingual character is reflected in additional clubs, including Verbissimo Toastmasters, a French-speaking club and a potentially new Spanish-speaking club that meets on a trial basis. There are also corporate Toastmasters clubs in P&G, Caterpillars, Richemont and Amazon Web Services and some are open to the public.
Across Switzerland, there are 50 clubs and there are more clubs developing.
Together, they create a national network fostering communication excellence, intercultural competence, and leadership growth.
The philosophy of UN Geneva Toastmasters aligns with insights shared by Stefano McGhee in the article “Interested in Leadership Gym? Visit Toastmasters!” by Yoko Owatari, published in newSpecial (June/July 2025).
McGhee emphasizes:
These principles reflect the culture of UN Geneva Toastmasters: influence-based leadership, practical development, and global collaboration
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) is the highest educational award in Toastmasters. DTM Yoko Owatari has been a driving force behind the club’s growth. Beginning her Toastmasters journey in Geneva and Tokyo in 2019, she won the 2020 Swiss Novice Contest and represented French-speaking area of Switzerland for all three contest types at the Istanbul conference. In 2023–2024, she was honoured as Toastmaster of the Year among more than 5,000 memberships in 16 countries alongside another Swiss Toastmaster DTM Harry Loots.
Yoko Owatari
As President, she navigated major challenges, including the loss of meeting venues and the search for a new space, ultimately securing an improved hybrid location thanks to the support of club member DTM Hulya Kurt — career coach, author, and educator at SSBM.
Reflecting on that period, Yoko says:
“When I assumed the position of President of UN Geneva Toastmasters, my objective was pretty clear — to stabilize the club in terms of membership and venue. It was a very stressful moment. We were negotiating, searching, not knowing where we would meet — but it was important to never give up. When someone offers a helpful hand, you realize the club is stronger than the challenge.”
Under leadership of her predecessor and herself, the club stabilized its membership and flourished, growing from 4 members to 32.
“The greatest growth was achieved by my predecessor and current District Finance Manager DTM Damien Gautier. Our club keeps growing at a very good pace”
Yoko describes the club’s spirit this way:“UN Geneva Toastmasters is a treasure with very motivated members. We grow together — mentors and mentees learn from each other.”
” There are many beautiful moments at Toastmasters, but one especially meaningful experience for me has been the contest journey”.
UN Geneva Toastmasters has one of the highest numbers of TEDx speakers, TEDx coaches, and active Distinguished Toastmasters in Geneva. It is the fourth-largest club in Division D.
Among its members, UN Geneva Toastmasters proudly counts:
Maryna Bakhmatova
Maryna Bakhmatova
Maryna, an alternative investments specialist with 17 years in Ukraine’s property market and now based in Geneva, currently a contributor at Geneva Business News, was invited by me to attend a December 2025 workshop led by Fursey Gotuaco, two-time World Championship of Public Speaking finalist. Inspired by his storytelling and the club’s professionalism, she decided to begin her Toastmasters training in February, aiming to master professional speaking and help others craft impactful presentations.
Franklin Moya
Franklin joined Toastmasters in 2023 to improve his public speaking, but discovered leadership as his greatest lesson. Today, serving as Area Director, he supports multiple Geneva clubs and helps them grow. Reflecting on his journey, he says:
“I joined to improve my speaking, but I discovered something much bigger — leadership. True leaders lead by example, and by example, we inspire others.”
In his article “The Man’s Journey” published in newSpecial (June/July 2025), he shares how he built emotional intelligence and resilience by transforming challenges into tools for growth. He emphasizes:
“What I have learned most over these past couple of years is simple: we never stop learning.”
Franklin Moya
On 27 May 2025, Daniel Zakaria, a member of Verbissimo, led a “Brown Bag Lunch” public speaking workshop with Geneva Business News, extending Toastmasters expertise to the broader professional community — an outreach initiative that highlights how members apply their skills far beyond regular club meetings.
Local toastmasters organize the Youth Leadership Program that aims to empower junior high and senior high students in Geneva and Nyon by helping them develop essential leadership and communication skills. The program focuses on cultivating skills like public speaking, confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking.
UN Geneva Toastmasters reflects the multicultural spirit that defines Geneva. Each meeting is enriched by diverse cultural perspectives, creating an environment that mirrors the realities of diplomacy and international collaboration. Engaging with members from different backgrounds has deepened not only my communication skills, but also my appreciation for the nuance and empathy required in global dialogue.
Through prepared speeches, impromptu talks, and leadership roles, I have grown significantly in confidence, clarity, and presence. The supportive atmosphere empowers both beginners and advanced speakers alike, fostering a culture of continuous learning and constructive feedback. Every session offers a new opportunity to refine ideas, experiment with delivery, and develop authentic leadership.
Beginning in March 2026, I will serve as Club Sergeant at Arms — a leadership role responsible for logistics, meeting flow, and maintaining a professional environment that sets the tone for productive and engaging sessions. Stepping into this new role has reminded me that growth often begins the moment we accept responsibilities that feel slightly beyond our comfort zone, and my advice to others is simple: say yes to opportunities that challenge you, because they are often the ones that shape you most. Taking on this responsibility marks an exciting next step in my journey, allowing me to contribute not only as a speaker, but also as a facilitator of others’ growth.
Whether you are embarking on your public speaking journey or refining advanced communication skills, UN Geneva Toastmasters provides a welcoming and effective path forward. In a city shaped by international dialogue, it equips individuals not just to speak, but to lead with purpose, inspire with confidence, and connect meaningfully across cultures.
For more information: Toastmasters International and Clubs in Francophone Switzerland
Professionnelle multilingue avec une expérience internationale dans le soutien aux cadres supérieurs dans divers secteurs.
