Building Cathedrals in Toastmasters

Let’s talk about perspective. Because the way we frame our experiences in Toastmasters, whether it’s a speech, a leadership role, or a small meeting duty, shapes how much we grow from them.

There’s a classic story, often linked to the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London under architect Sir Christopher Wren in the 1600s. A traveler asked three stonecutters what they were doing. The first replied, “I’m cutting stone.” The second said, “I’m building a wall.” And the third smiled and said, “I’m building a cathedral.”

Same task. Totally different story.

That’s the Stonecutter Principle: the way you frame your work shapes the way you experience it. One sees monotony. One sees contribution. One sees purpose. And it’s that sense of purpose that fuels energy, consistency, and growth.

Toastmasters offers the same choice. You can view it as giving another speech. You can see it as practicing confidence. Or you can recognize it as becoming the communicator who inspires and leads others.

Even the smaller roles at meetings matter when you connect them to a bigger vision. A timer helps keep meetings sharp and professional. An evaluator helps another member grow. A grammarian sharpens our awareness of language. Each role adds to the supportive environment that makes Toastmasters unique.

I’m reminded of how Disney refers to their staff. They’re not called employees, but Cast Members. A janitor sweeping popcorn on Main Street doesn’t say, “I’m cleaning up trash.” They say, “I’m helping create magic for our guests.” That shift in perspective makes the everyday meaningful.

So here’s the challenge: next time you step up in your club, ask yourself how you’re choosing to see it. Are you just cutting stone? Or are you building your cathedral — the version of yourself that Toastmasters is helping you grow into?

Because in the end, the story you tell yourself becomes the journey you live.

Article by Mumbi Hinga (Wyong Toastmasters) | (Reviewed by Ramalka Kasige DTM)