Our Story
Meet Ria Harman, Club President
My journey into public speaking began with a profound fear that held me back in both my personal and professional life. As a marketing manager, I avoided presentations and found excuses to delegate speaking responsibilities to others.
In 2018, I discovered Toastmasters International and joined Norwich, Connecticut Speakers as a nervous beginner. The supportive environment and structured learning approach gradually transformed my relationship with communication and leadership.
Today, as club president and a distinguished toastmaster, I've mentored over 50 members through their speaking journeys. Every speech evaluation, every meeting I lead, and every mentorship session is delivered with intention, care, and respect for each member's unique growth path.
"True confidence comes from practice, not perfection. Every speaker has a unique voice worth sharing, and every audience deserves authentic communication that connects hearts and minds."
Our Club Journey
Club Charter
Norwich, Connecticut Speakers received its official charter from Toastmasters International with 20 founding members
Meeting Space Established
Found our permanent meeting venue in the historic Norwich community center
Distinguished Club Recognition
Achieved Distinguished Club status through excellence in member education and retention
Ria Harman Leadership
Ria Harman elected as club president, bringing innovative mentorship programs
Contest Champions
Our members won regional speech contests, with Ria Harman reaching district finals
Community Impact
Reached 100+ members trained, with 85% reporting improved confidence and career advancement
Our Historic Meeting Venue
Located in the heart of Norwich, Connecticut's downtown district, our meeting space at the Norwich, Connecticut Community Center provides the perfect environment for learning and practicing public speaking. The venue's welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics create an ideal setting for building confidence and communication skills.
Built in 1952, the Norwich, Connecticut Community Center has served as a cornerstone of civic engagement and community learning. The building's excellent acoustics and professional meeting facilities create an ideal environment for developing public speaking skills and building confidence.
We've carefully chosen this venue for its accessibility and welcoming atmosphere. The center's state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and flexible seating arrangements support our diverse meeting formats, from prepared speeches to impromptu speaking exercises that help members grow their communication skills.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We believe in complete honesty and transparency in all our interactions. Every evaluation is delivered with constructive intent, and every meeting is conducted with respect for each member's journey and growth.
Our commitment to integrity extends beyond speeches to our entire club culture. We create a safe space where members can practice, fail, learn, and grow without judgment.
Respect
Every member deserves to be heard and valued. We listen actively, provide thoughtful feedback, and celebrate each person's unique communication style and perspective.
Respect also means honoring our commitment to each other's growth. We arrive prepared, participate fully, and create an environment where everyone can succeed.
Service
We are committed to serving our members and the broader Norwich community. Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and community speaking engagements, we give back and help others find their voice.
Service drives our mission to develop confident communicators and effective leaders who make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.
The Norwich Speakers Journey
Building confidence through structured speaking opportunities and supportive feedback
Learning through detailed evaluations and one-on-one mentorship sessions
Developing leadership skills through meeting roles and project management
Experience a Meeting
Join us for a meeting and see how we help members develop their communication skills
Our Recognition & Excellence
Our achievements represent more than awards—they reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in communication education and leadership development, guided by Toastmasters International standards.
Distinguished Club
Toastmasters International
Contest Champions
Regional Competition Winners
Members Trained
Since 2015 Charter
Success Rate
Career & Confidence Growth
Transform Your Communication & Leadership Skills
Join Norwich, Connecticut Speakers and discover your potential through proven education programs and supportive mentorship