A Toastmasters club meeting offers a familiar place to practice your voice. But what happens when you take that voice into a television studio?
For nearly 30 years, Toastmaster Time TV has given Bay Area Toastmasters an opportunity to do just that: deliver speeches on camera, experience television production, and share their ideas with audiences beyond their clubs.
From Local Cable to YouTube
The program began in 1997 at the Comcast Studio in Fremont. George Marshall and Alan Zoraster joined as part-time volunteers and took over production responsibilities in 2004 after the host and producer departed. What sounded like a fun commitment for “a year or two” became a 17-year partnership as co-producers.
When Comcast closed its studio, fellow volunteer Stan Ng helped the program find a new home. Stan, who also volunteered at the Midpen Media Center in Palo Alto, facilitated the move there in 2008. The center has been home to the show ever since.
In June 2026, Toastmaster Time TV celebrated its 300th episode. From its early days on VHS tapes and local cable channels to episodes available on YouTube, the program has continued to create opportunities for members to speak, learn, and connect.
A Different Stage for Your Voice
Hundreds of Toastmasters have experienced the excitement of presenting in a professional television studio through the show. For speakers, it offers a new environment in which to practice and an opportunity to have a five- to seven-minute speech professionally recorded at no charge. Evaluators can also contribute their skills, helping speakers grow while practicing thoughtful feedback on camera.
The program has welcomed young speakers through Toastmasters Youth Leadership Programs and Gavel Clubs, giving them a platform to share their perspectives and build confidence. Their participation reflects the show’s broader purpose: helping people develop communication skills they can carry into school, work, relationships, and community life.
There’s a Place Behind the Camera, Too
You don’t have to deliver a speech to be part of Toastmaster Time TV. Volunteers help bring each episode to life through camera operation, floor direction, technical direction, audio, graphics, and production.
For anyone curious about how television is made, Midpen Media Center offers hands-on experience for a modest fee. It’s a great opportunity to learn how television is produced while gaining practical experience behind the scenes.
Ready to step into the studio? Whether you’re interested in speaking, evaluating, or joining the production crew, contact toastmastertimetv [at] gmail.com to learn about participating.
Watch Toastmaster Time TV on YouTube and discover the show that’s got everybody talking!