'I used to tremble at the thought of speaking in front of a class,' says Reyaz PS Gautam, a final-year student at Ace Institute of Management and one of the core members of Ace Toastmasters Club. 'Now, I've hosted major events, mentored others, and found a version of myself I never thought existed. It all started with Ace Toastmasters.'

In a world obsessed with loud voices and louder personalities, the quiet transformation happening inside the Ace Toastmasters Club is easy to overlook, but powerful to witness.

Ace Toastmasters is not your typical student club. It is part of Toastmasters International, District 41, a global platform in 149 countries dedicated to helping people become better communicators, confident speakers, and effective leaders. At Ace, this platform has taken a vibrant life of its own; blending discipline with warmth, and formality with family-like familiarity.

Housed within the academic spirit of Ace Institute of Management and Ace International Business School, the club has been active for over five years. With weekly meetings packed with prepared speeches, impromptu speaking sessions, evaluations, and leadership roles, the format remains consistent. But what makes Ace Toastmasters unique is what happens outside those 90-minute meetings.

The relationship doesn't end when the Timer says 'Stop.'

The connections built in that meeting room spill into everyday campus life and beyond. There's laughter in the hallways, brainstorming over post event coffee, feedback during walks, and ideas exchanged at the parking lot. Ace Toastmasters isn't just a public speaking platform; it's a space where bonds are built that transcend titles and terms.

To cater to the diverse interests of its vibrant members, the club has organically given rise to a variety of sub-groups that reflect the spirit of community and shared enthusiasm. The Ace TMC Hikers Club brings together members who find their rhythm in the mountains, bonding over sunrise treks and muddy trails. For those drawn to water, the Ace TMC Swimmers dive into pools not just for laps but for laughter and light-hearted challenges. Cyclists in the club ride under the banner of Acers on Wheels, discovering new roads while deepening old friendships.

Then there's Kudyo Acer Kudyo, the club's runners who lace up and hit the pavement with energy and determination, their name a nod to the Nepali spirit of joyful chaos. And for those who express creativity through food, the Hey Biryani Makers experiment in kitchens, trading speeches for spices and applause for aroma, especially during the annual Biryani Party.

These aren't just hobby groups, they are expressions of the club's inclusive philosophy. They show that communication doesn't only happen behind a 90 minutes meeting, but also on trails, in kitchens, by the pool, or over a plate of homemade biryani.

What makes the club truly special is its diversity. Its members are not limited to just students, the club proudly brings together alumni, current students, and even faculty members, working in harmony toward a common goal: personal growth. And when we're in the meeting room, we don't look at our titles, designations, or positions. We look at each other as part of one family.

The club is also structured in a way that gives members real responsibility. From the President and Vice Presidents to the Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms, the club runs like a mini-organization, preparing members for real-world leadership. Reyaz adds, 'We learn what leadership really is, it's not about commanding others; it's about listening, guiding, and growing together.'

The impact of the club is visible far beyond its walls. Former members, once hesitant to speak up in class, now pitch confidently in boardrooms, host events, and deliver presentations that command attention. These transformations are not isolated, they are part of a consistent culture of encouragement and intentional practice.

In a world increasingly filled with distraction and noise, what Ace Toastmasters offers is clarity. The ability to stand, speak, and connect, not just for applause, but for real influence. Whether it's a job interview, a team presentation, or simply a conversation that matters, members are equipped to carry themselves with poise.

For readers who haven't heard of Toastmasters before, imagine a place where communication is treated like a craft, where every speech is a practice, every role a responsibility, and every feedback a chance to grow. It's not about perfection. It's about progress, week after week, speech after speech.

And perhaps, that's what makes Ace Toastmasters more than a club. It's a support system, a learning lab, and most of all, a second home.

So, why should this matter to anyone outside Ace?

Because the challenges we face, expressing our ideas, presenting with confidence, connecting meaningfully, are not exclusive to college students. These are universal skills in an age where communication can often feel performative or superficial, Ace Toastmasters is a reminder that authenticity, clarity, and connection still matter.

If you've ever found yourself lost for words, nervous before a meeting, or eager to improve how you present yourself, maybe it's time to look for a Toastmasters club near you.