How Toastmasters Keeps Me Growing in Retirement 

When I retired as a Captain from the Calgary Fire Department in 2009, I thought I knew what “busy” meant. After all, I’d spent 28 years responding to emergencies, leading crews, and making split-second decisions that sometimes meant the difference between life and death. On top of that, I served as the President of the Calgary Fire Department’s Cappy Smart Concert Band for 20 years — an experience that let me raise the profile of the department while playing music for charitable events across the city.

When I hung up my turnout gear for the last time, people said, “Now you can relax!” And yes, I did slow down… for about five minutes. Then I realized something: while I’d retired from my career, I hadn’t retired from wanting purpose, connection, and growth.

That’s where Toastmasters came in.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through clubs all over the world. Many people join during their working years to boost their careers, but the truth is, the benefits don’t stop when the paycheques do. In fact, for retirees like me, Toastmasters has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for this stage of life.

Here’s why:

1. It Keeps My Mind Sharp
   At the firehall, every shift demanded mental focus. In retirement, Toastmasters gives me that same sense of challenge — minus the sirens. Writing speeches, delivering them, giving feedback, and participating in impromptu “Table Topics” keeps my brain firing on all cylinders. It’s like a workout for the mind, and just like physical fitness, mental fitness matters more than ever as we age.

2. It Brings Back a Sense of Purpose
   When you’ve spent decades serving others, it can be strange to wake up one morning without a clear mission. Toastmasters gave me new goals — completing projects, earning educational awards, and helping my club succeed. Whether I’m mentoring someone new, telling a story that inspires, or taking on a leadership role, it fills that space where my professional identity used to live.

3. It Builds Real Friendships
   One thing I missed after leaving the fire service was the camaraderie — that sense of belonging to a team. Toastmasters has that same spirit. Our clubs are supportive, diverse, and often intergenerational. We celebrate each other’s wins, help each other improve, and share more than a few laughs along the way.

4. It Lets Me Give Back
   After 28 years in emergency services, I have more than a few life lessons under my belt. Toastmasters gives me a way to share them. Mentoring newer members is incredibly rewarding — watching someone find their voice and step into their confidence is a privilege. And those mentoring skills? They’ve spilled over into my volunteer work, community projects, and even family life.

5. It Opens New Doors
   Retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping. Some of my fellow retirees in Toastmasters have started businesses, written books, launched podcasts, or become public speakers. The confidence and communication skills you gain here can help you take on any new venture — big or small. Personally, I’ve found that speaking and leadership keep me feeling energized, engaged, and ready for whatever comes next. I’m even starting a new Podcast!

Wrapping It Up

When I left the Calgary Fire Department, I thought my best chapters might already be behind me. Toastmasters proved me wrong. It’s not just about speeches — it’s about staying sharp, making connections, sharing what you know, and discovering that you still have more to give (and more to learn).

If you’re retired and wondering what’s next, come to a Toastmasters meeting. You might just find, like I did, that your next great adventure begins with your first speech.

Shawn Hamilton
MVP Advanced Toastmasters Club