Why Liverpool City Toastmasters Is One of the Coolest Clubs I've Ever Visited
If you're a Toastmaster who loves visiting clubs around the world — or simply someone curious about what makes a speaking club truly special — let me tell you about Liverpool City Toastmasters. I recently had the chance to attend one of their meetings, and the experience left a lasting impression. From the warmth of the members to the quality of the speeches to the unmistakable sense of community, this club exemplifies everything Toastmasters can be at its best.
Finding the Club: A Train Ride Worth Taking
Visiting different Toastmasters clubs around the world is one of my favourite things to do when I travel. I was recently in England near Andale, where some of my wife's family lives, and I started searching the Toastmasters International website for nearby clubs. One thing I discovered is that outside of London, there aren't as many clubs in the UK as you might expect — certainly fewer than I anticipated.
Liverpool City Toastmasters turned out to be my closest option, and it was absolutely worth the train ride. I got off at the Moorfields stop, and from there it was only about a two-block walk to the Old Cotton Exchange — the beautiful building where the club meets. Liverpool itself is a stunning city, and I was thrilled at the prospect of experiencing how a club in this part of the world does things a little differently.
A Welcome That Sets the Tone
The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by several Toastmasters congregating in the lobby. Although the meetings normally take place on the sixth floor, another group was using the space that evening, which gave us a wonderful opportunity to mingle before heading upstairs. I chatted with members like Martin and Roy, and everyone was genuinely friendly and welcoming.
This warmth wasn't a one-off — it was a theme that carried throughout the entire meeting. Liverpool City Toastmasters is more than just a speaking club. There's a real sense of culture and community here that you feel from the very first handshake.
An Impressive Guest-to-Member Ratio
One of the things that struck me most was the number of guests in the room. Roughly 40 to 50 percent of the attendees were either first-time visitors or friends and family who had come to support speakers delivering their debut speeches. That's a remarkable mix.
In my home club in Kelowna, British Columbia, we get a guest periodically, but rarely would half the room be newcomers. At Liverpool City Toastmasters, this seems to be a regular occurrence — a testament to the club's reputation and the inviting atmosphere they cultivate. Guests are made to feel like they belong from the moment they walk in.
The Meeting: Pick Your Pack
The theme of the day was "Pick Your Pack" and the word of the day was "tribe." Both felt perfectly fitting. This club genuinely operates like a tribe — a supportive, energetic community united by a shared passion for communication.
The venue itself added to the experience. The room features a proper stage that speakers can stand on — or in front of, depending on their preference. And the speakers took full advantage of that space. Liverpool City Toastmasters doesn't offer a hybrid or virtual option, and one of the clear benefits is that speakers aren't afraid to command the entire room. Their strategic movement, stage presence, and delivery were exceptional. I was genuinely blown away by the talent on display.
During the intermission, the buzz in the room was palpable. People were chatting, laughing, and connecting over coffee and water. It felt more like a social gathering than a formal meeting — and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Thrown Into the Deep End: My Table Topics Experience
During the break, the Table Topics Master approached me and asked if I'd be willing to take on a question. Naturally, I said yes — you don't visit a Toastmasters club and turn down a chance to speak!
The question was a tough one: "Imagine that your pack gains superpowers, but each power comes with a hilarious weakness. Tell us about it."
Talk about being put on the spot. Here's the gist of how I responded:
I told the story of moving to Manchester about 14 years ago to study at the University of Salford. My "pack" and I all spoke English, but we quickly discovered we didn't speak the same English. The superpower was the power of communication — the ability to articulate well. But the hilarious weakness? Cultural misunderstandings in the simplest of greetings.
- In Canada, we say: "How's it going?" or "What's up?"
- In Manchester, they say: "Are you all right?"
Now, in Canada, we don't ask someone if they're "all right" unless something is seriously wrong. So when my flatmate casually greeted me with "Are you all right?" I panicked. I turned to my girlfriend and asked, "Did my mum call? Is everything okay back home?"
My girlfriend helped me work on the lingo so I could fit in and shed this "hilarious weakness." The next time my flatmate said, "Mate, you all right?" I confidently replied, "Yes! Are you all right?" — apparently with far too much enthusiasm. My girlfriend screamed, "You need to dial that down a little!"
It got a good laugh, and it reminded me that even effective communicators have to navigate the quirks of language and culture.
A Unique Approach to Evaluations
One interesting procedural difference I noticed at Liverpool City Toastmasters is how they handle speaker introductions. In my club back home, the Toastmaster of the meeting introduces every speaker. But at Liverpool City Toastmasters, the evaluator is the one who introduces the speaker they'll be evaluating.
I really love this concept. It encourages the speaker and their evaluator to connect beforehand, which can lead to more thoughtful and personalised feedback. It's a small change, but it adds a meaningful layer of connection to the process.
Why You Should Visit Liverpool City Toastmasters
Overall, I absolutely loved my experience at Liverpool City Toastmasters. Here's what makes the club stand out:
- Genuine warmth: Members go out of their way to welcome guests and make everyone feel included.
- Exceptional speakers: The in-person-only format encourages confident, dynamic stage presence.
- Community culture: The relaxed, social atmosphere makes meetings feel like a gathering of friends, not a formal obligation.
- Thoughtful evaluations: The evaluator-introduces-speaker model fosters deeper connections.
- A stunning venue: The Old Cotton Exchange is a beautiful, historic setting that elevates the entire experience.
If you ever find yourself in the Liverpool area — whether you're a seasoned Toastmaster or simply someone looking to improve your communication skills — do yourself a favour and check out Liverpool City Toastmasters. You won't be disappointed. The sense of tribe and community they've built is something truly special, and it's a shining example of what a Toastmasters club can become when its members are genuinely invested in one another's growth.