#297: What Happens When Toastmasters Give Youth Voices a TEDx Stage – CeCe Espeut

[26:51] What happens when students are given a real stage and someone willing to guide them there? In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with CeCe Espeut about helping students step onto South Florida’s TEDx Miramar stage and what unfolded along the way.

CeCe Espeut, a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar, brought together Toastmasters to mentor students preparing for their first talks. What began as a simple idea quickly became something more for the students, the mentors, and for CeCe herself.

Using a one-to-one mentoring approach, each student was paired with a Toastmaster. But it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t just about coaching speeches. It was about learning how to listen, adapt, and meet each person where they are.

Listeners will hear…

• How a one-to-one mentor model changed the dynamic for both students and coaches
• Why “no crying allowed” forced mentors to rethink how they give feedback
• The surprising difference between youth talks and adult TEDx ideas
• How experienced speakers had to adapt—fast—to truly connect
• What “accomplishment bonding” looks like—and why it matters

Some of the biggest shifts didn’t happen on stage. They happened in the way people communicated—with each other, and with themselves.

And in the end, it wasn’t just about the talks—it was about what it took to get there. Youth didn’t just find their voice. They helped others rediscover theirs.

CeCe is featured in the March 2026 Toastmaster Magazine article Youth Take the Stage: South Florida Toastmasters Help Young People Find Their Voice with TEDxMiramar Youth by Kate McClare.

About CeCe Espeut

CeCe Espeut is a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar. A former U.S. Marine, she is also an author and leadership mentor dedicated to helping others find and share their voice. She has been a Toastmaster since 2016, is a past Division Director, and a member of three clubs in District 47.

CeCe lives in Miramar, Florida and can be reached at: Cece@tedxmiramar.com.

Additional Resources:

CeCe refers to Zone of Genius. You can also listen to Toastmasters Podcast Episode #285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius: Aligning Work with Passion, with Katie Stoddart.