What’s Happening?
Former Townsville high school teacher Brian O’Neill has shared how overcoming public-speaking difficulties influenced his career and his work supporting young people.
The long-serving teacher and Central Queensland University lecturer was featured in a Queensland Toastmasters initiative marking World Teachers’ Day on 30 October 2026.
The initiative followed this year’s theme, Teachers change lives, recognising educators and the communication skills they use throughout their careers.
Why It Matters
Teachers need to communicate clearly while responding to questions, explaining concepts and adapting lessons to their students.
For O’Neill, learning to speak without relying on a complete script became an important part of his professional development. His experience highlights the value of practising communication skills rather than relying on preparation alone.
The confidence he developed also became useful when helping young people improve their presentation abilities.
Local Impact
Townsville was an important setting in O’Neill’s early teaching career. He was working as a high school teacher in the city when he recognised that his difficulties speaking in front of students needed to be addressed.
Now associated with Mackay, O’Neill is among the Queensland educators whose experiences were highlighted for World Teachers’ Day.
Key Points
- Queensland network: Toastmasters District 69 has more than 140 clubs across Queensland.
- Meeting options: The organisation offers in-person, online and hybrid meetings.
- Learning activities: Participants can practise prepared speeches, impromptu speaking and constructive evaluations.
Zoom In
During his early teaching years in Townsville, O’Neill found that standing in front of a classroom could leave him unable to speak, despite knowing the material he needed to teach.
“I found that I was freezing in front of a class. I couldn’t speak,” he said.
To manage the difficulty, he began writing out his lessons word for word, including questions he anticipated students might ask. Eventually, he realised he needed to change his approach or reconsider his ambition to teach.
“The best way around it was to write out every word I would say, every question I anticipated that they would ask… and I came to the realisation that I would either have to give up my dream of being a teacher or do something about it”.
He sought help through Toastmasters, where speaking practice allowed him to become less dependent on detailed lesson scripts.
“After practicing at Toastmasters, all I needed was an outline.”
O’Neill went on to coach students in public speaking and debating, running Toastmasters Youth Leadership and Speechcraft programmes. He found particular satisfaction in seeing participants improve their presentations.
“It was wonderful seeing the ones who’d done the course, how much more polished they were in those presentations,” he said.
Zoom Out
The World Teachers’ Day initiative also featured educators from Toowoomba, Brisbane and Maryborough, each bringing different experiences of teaching, communication and mentoring.
Suzanne Gogolin, Club Growth Director for Toastmasters District 69, said the occasion celebrated the influence teachers have on younger generations.
“On Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the everyday heroes who change lives by inspiring curiosity and confidence in the next generation of young Australians,” she said.
Beyond Queensland, District 69 also includes clubs across the Northern Territory and the Pacific.
What To Look For Next?
Toastmasters continues to provide communication and leadership development opportunities through its regular club activities.
Information about participating clubs and available programmes can be found on the Toastmasters District 69 website.
