Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organisation currently has more than 292,000 members in 14,350 clubs in 122 countries. Through its worldwide network of clubs, each week Toastmasters helps more than a quarter of a million men and women of every eth
nicity, educationa level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain confidence to lead other. Toastmasters continues to build on its legacy by providing a strong foundation for the future. It's proven educational program continually evolves to address the needs of the world's communicators and leaders both today and tomorrow. The plan and lead. They give feedback - and accept it. Through our community of learners, the find their path to leadership. They do this by practice and learning skills by filling meeting roles, ranging from giving a prepared or impromptu speech to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in positive manner, focusing on what was done correctly and what could be improved. Great communicators tend to be great leaders. How Does It Works? A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no pressure atmosphere. Our group has typically 10-20 members and meetings typically last 60 minutes. There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another's presentations. The feedback process is a key part of the program's success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure.. Members learn communication skills by working in the Comptetent Communicator manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. Members also learn leadership skills by taking on various meeting roles and working in the Competent Leadership manual. In our learn-by-doing approach, we don't lecture members about leadership skills; we give them responibitilties and mentoring to help. Then we ask them to leave. Why Should I Join? The Toastmasters program offers many benefits that help people in all walks of life. As a result of participation in Toastmasters, you will:
- Increase your self-confidence
- Become a better speaker
- Become a better leader
- Communication more effectively
