Ben MacEllen joined Toastmasters as a way to help build confidence and refine his public speaking skills, he had no idea where he would be two years later.

“I wanted to hone in on my skills but I also found that all of my new friendships at Toastmasters were terrific, it was a great way to join a good organisation,” Mr MacEllen said.

Mr MacEllen said he was overwhelmed, thrilled, excited and ecstatic about his latest accomplishment.

“You get to the point where you know there’s a step further, but I didn’t truly believe that I was going to win,” he said.

“It’s a dream come true.

“Just being in the semi-finals is a huge achievement and thrill.”

The regional championship held in Hobart included other Toastmasters from District 73, which includes Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Ben will now progress to the Toastmasters semi-finals which will be held this year during August in Chicago, then a few days later the finals will also be held.

Toastmasters is a worldwide community that focuses on communication skills and leadership development and has more than 350,000 memberships.

“I have been interested in performing all my life so Toastmasters has given me the chance to give voice to some of the social justice issues I am passionate about in my life,” he said.

“It involves anything from prepared speeches to impromptu speeches and you are guided by friendly and experienced people in a very encouraging environment.

“You will be supported no matter what your skill level is and will be given the opportunity to build your confidence.

“It’s really good to be able to get up on stage and draw from other people’s experience, which is years and years of public speaking from a range of areas.”

Joining Toastmasters has helped build Ben’s confidence and skills and he now hopes to create his own solo performance.