Bill Cassels speech impediment once impacted his life to such a degree he would write down what he wanted to communicate instead of saying it.
He remembers one time walking into a bank and sliding a note across the counter to a nervous teller on the other side.
Looking back, he understands the trepidation.
"She thought she was getting robbed," Cassels said.
"I used to write on scrap pieces of paper but it can be dangerous."
Those days are distant memories now for a man who has travelled the world speaking to crowds of all sizes.
The 92-year-old has made stops across Canada, the United States, Grand Cayman and Scotland to wow people with his words.
The inspiration to overcome his verbal challenges was spurred by the love for his daughters.
Cassels was once told that with his impediment, it was possible his two daughters could also develop one. Not wanting them to experience what he had, he got to work on teaching them how to communicate effectively.
From there, he decided to join Cambridge Toastmasters, an organization that aims to empower its members to develop communication and leadership skills by speaking in front of others.
"I joined Toastmasters and that was an insane thing to do if you couldn’t speak," Cassels said.
"Through time, I became a public speaker."
That was 46 years ago and now Cambridge Toastmasters is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1.
Toastmasters International, which Cassels has been a part of for 48 years, spans over 140 countries and has over 270,000 members.
Bill Kirby, president of the Cambridge membership, believes Cassels story is a great example of the impact a supportive group can have on skill development.
"It helps you overcome that fear and turn nervousness into positive energy," Kirby said.
"What you put out comes back to you. Most people who join are looking to overcome the fear of speaking in public."
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, a dinner is planned for April 3 at the Newfoundland Club on Dunbar Road. Current members, alumni and local politicians will be in attendance to honour the service Toastmasters has provided the community.
Roger Caesar, who finished in the top three in the 2021 World Championship of Public Speaking, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.
"We want to celebrate what we've chaired over the last 50 years and want the community to know there’s an avenue to overcome fear and develop personal and public skills," Kirby said.
"Being a leader sometimes requires you to be out front and sometimes it requires you to empower."
It's something Cassels knows all about as he continues to accept speaking engagements.
"Even now at 92 I can go out and speak unlike a 92-year-old person, I’m more like a 70-year-old," he said.
"It gives you something to work for."
Tickets are still available for the anniversary dinner and can be purchased here.
