Up to 75% of people experience some level of nervousness or anxiety when speaking in front of a group. For between 5 and 10% of the global population, this escalates into extreme terror called glossophobia, a debilitating clinical fear. Whether you face minor butterflies or complete paralysis, struggling with public speaking can negatively affect your personal confidence, professional networking, and career growth.
Enter Toastmasters International, a group started in 1925 by Ralph Smedley in Santa Ana, California. Fast forward 100 years and meet the global public speaking group with 265,000 members in 13,800 clubs across 150 countries! In the capital of Yucatán, Mérida, five active clubs welcome anyone looking to build confidence, master the art of public speaking, and connect with like-minded people locally.
“I’ve been in Toastmasters for 10 years,” says Jose Ureña, “and every week, I learn something new because of the different people who attend.”
The growth of the Toastmasters in Mérida
The newest addition to the local Toastmasters community is the MID English Toastmasters group, established in 2024 by five members in a Spanish-speaking group who wanted to improve their English. While the majority of members are native Spanish speakers, the group also attracts international residents, including Canadian and Russian expats living in Mérida. They bravely walk onto the stage and either give a prepared speech or participate in Table Topics, a 2-minute impromptu answer to a question provided by the Topic Master. Constructive peer evaluations ensure that every participant receives supportive feedback to refine their skills.
“I decided to go and see what my husband was doing every Monday evening,” says Zeidy Olsen. “I joined the Spanish group first and then, when the idea to improve our English was brought up, I was eager to start!”
The group secured the same location as Toastmasters Para Emprendedores (Restaurante Puruxon Cauich, located on Periférico de Mérida x calle 56, Francisco de Montejo) and every Monday, at 8 pm, they gather to enjoy each other’s company while improving their English and public speaking abilities. What started less than two years ago as a group of five has now blossomed to 19 members.
“We are so thankful to Jerry Be, owner of Restaurante Puruxon Cauich for allowing us to use this amazing space every week,” says Seth Jimenez, 2025 President. “It’s such an inviting, comfortable space.”
A diverse community focused on lifelong learning
As Inaugural President of the MID English group, Mario Sosa is its biggest cheerleader. He says, “To me, Toastmasters is an opportunity to continuously improve my skills, connect with like-minded people, and be part of a community built on strong values. As someone who believes deeply in education and lifelong learning, I value the opportunity to share my knowledge and help others strengthen their skills, confidence, and ability to make a meaningful difference in our society.”
Age and profession are no barrier to joining. Current members range from 21 to 66 years old, creating an inclusive cross-generational environment where university students, lawyers, architects, teachers, entrepreneurs, and career coaches connect. Toastmasters Clubs are a great place to meet new people in Mérida and build strong community ties.
Mercy Sanchez, a 22-year-old architecture student, joined recently and is a natural, winning Table Topics awards in her first couple weeks, and has already served as Toastmaster of the Night. Another student studying mechatronics, Jesús Rivas, 21, was shy at the beginning but has already blossomed into an accomplished speaker.
Vice President of Membership Jose "Pepe" Ureña extends an open invitation to locals, expats, and visitors to attend the MID English Toastmasters group as guests. Whether your English skills are basic or fluent, the club provides a low-pressure space to overcome stage fright, eliminate speech anxiety, and build lasting friendships in Yucatán.
Rather than focusing on cutthroat competition, Toastmasters helps individuals face their fears, rewire old habits, and emerge as confident, persuasive speakers in any professional or social setting.
For more information about any of the Toastmasters groups in Mérida, visit www.toastmasters.org or the groups’ Facebook pages:
- Toastmasters International Speakers MID (Mondays in Francisco de Montejo, in English)
- Oradores de Élite - Toastmasters Mérida (Tuesdays on Av. García Lavín, in Spanish)
- Toastmasters para Emprendedores (Francisco de Montejo, in Spanish)
- Toastmasters Empresarios de Mérida (Francisco de Montejo, in Spanish)
- Club Toastmasters Realtors Mérida (Thursdays in Centro, in Spanish)
Meeting times and locations may vary, so make sure to reach out before attending.
First published on the Yucatán Today website in September 2026.
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