Toastmasters District 47 in South Florida and The Bahamas

But a basement in a YMCA in Santa Ana, California, is exactly where, in 1924, Ralph C. He decided the training format would be similar to a social club.

Toastmasters District 47 serves Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas and helps members develop their leadership and speaking skills to become more productive in their everyday lives. When people hear the word “basement” they’re more likely to picture mold and spiders than the birth place of a global communication and leadership training organization. Smedley held the first meeting of w

hat would eventually become Toastmasters International. Smedley began working as director of education for a Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) after he graduated from college. He observed that many of the young patrons needed “training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings” and Smedley wanted to help them. During the early 1900s the word “toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts and introduced the speakers at a banquet. Smedley named his group “The Toastmasters Club” because he thought it suggested a pleasant, social atmosphere appealing to young men. When Smedley started the Toastmasters group at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, members practiced speaking skills in a supportive, informal atmosphere. The seedling club blossomed. Word spread about Smedley’s YMCA experiment and soon people in other communities and even other states began asking for permission and help to start their own Toastmasters meetings. By 1930 the burgeoning clubs had established a federation to help coordinate activities and provide a standard program. Toastmasters became Toastmasters International after a speaking club in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, expressed interest in joining the organization. A series of rented office spaces in Southern California served as Toastmasters International’s “home office” until 1962. That year the staff moved into its first World Headquarters building in Santa Ana, not far from the YMCA where the first Toastmasters club met. Over the next three decades the number of Toastmasters grew, and so did the need for a larger staff to service them. World Headquarters relocated in 1990 to its new building in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, about 20 miles south of Santa Ana. See our timeline for a detailed account of Toastmasters' history. The evolution of its educational programs and resources are a big part of Toastmasters International’s success and growth. Training has expanded from the 15-project manual Basic Training for Toastmasters, developed by Smedley, to include other materials to help members develop skills in listening, giving feedback, decision-making, delegating and mentoring.

Photos from Toastmasters District 47 in South Florida and The Bahamas's post

05/04/2025

🎉Announcing the 2025-2026 District 47 Leadership Nominees!

The Toastmasters District 47 Leadership Committee has completed its interview process, and we’re proud to announce the nominated candidates for the 2025-2026 term.

🗳️ The official election will take place on April 26, 2025.
💬 Want to connect with the nominees? Join us for our Virtual Candidate Corner on April 25—an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn more about their vision for the district.

📍 Details and registration info can be found here: https://www.toastmastersd47.org/district-47-virtual-candidate-corner/

Let’s shape the future of District 47—your voice matters!

25/03/2025

📢 Calling All Businesses & Sponsors! 🌟

Showcase your brand to 3,500+ Toastmasters members at the “Rise to the Challenge” Conference! Even if attendees can’t be there in person, your ad will reach our entire network—maximizing your visibility.

✅ Sponsorship & Ad Opportunities Available!
🔹 Deadline: April 1, 2025
🔹 Connect with a dynamic, engaged community!

Visit www.toastmastersd47.org/district-conferences and click “Sponsorships & Ads” to secure your spot—or scan the QR code!

Do you know a business that would be a great sponsor? Spread the word! 💼✨

06/12/2024

🎉 Join Us at the District 47 Conference!

Get ready for inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, fun-filled educational sessions, engaging activities, and exciting speech contests!

📅 When: May 2-4, 2025
📍 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills, FL
💵 Early Line Period (until February 9, 2025):
Full Conference: $220
Saturday Full Day: $170
Saturday Dinner Only: $100

Don't miss out—register today!
👉 https://www.toastmastersd47.org/district-conference/

18/11/2024

Are you thinking of becoming a leader? If so...register today to hear from our past district leaders. Wait... maybe you are not sure if this is for you. Either way, this is a don't miss 1 hour webinar featuring Austen Canonica PDD, Pamela D. Rolle PDD and a special presentation by Matt Kinsey PIP. What a line up!
https://bit.ly/D47LeadershipPane

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Nov 12, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0udemrrDgrHNwLJogJ1Sji2-XjNQgvYGeC

27/10/2024

Please join us.

Join the Outspoken Toastmasters Club for an open house this Tuesday from noon to 1!!!

23/10/2024

District 47 celebrates Toastmasters International on its Centennial Anniversary. Congratulations on 100 years of excellence.

21/09/2024

Our Fall District Council Meeting will start at 10am and we will begin livestreaming after the National Anthems.

05/09/2024

📢 Attention Toastmasters Members! 📢

Renew Today; Lead Tomorrow! 🌟

We now accept membership dues for the October 2024 - March 2025 renewal period.

🗓️ Renew by September 30, 2024.

Please get in touch with your Club Treasurer today to ensure your membership continues seamlessly.

27/08/2024

📢 Join Us for the D47 Fall Business Meeting! 📢

🗓 Date: September 21, 2024
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM (EST)
📍 Location: Zoom

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Fall Business Meeting! District voting members will receive detailed instructions on registering and participating in the voting process.

All other members can watch the meeting live on our page. 📺

Key agenda items include:
~ Approval of the 2024-2025 Budget
~ Other important business matters

Stay tuned for the link to join us live! Let’s come together to shape the future of our district. 🌟

https://www.toastmastersd47.org/district-council-meetings/

24/08/2024

We are thrilled to highlight the incredible achievements of our new District 47 team—and it has only been a month! Embracing our new tagline, “Members First,” we have demonstrated that our members are the cornerstone of our strength and success. ✨

In just one month, we’ve accomplished remarkable milestones through our recent Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs), held across four vibrant venues:
📚 Davie: Divisions A & B
🎤 Boca: Divisions C & D
👏 Doral: Division E
🏆 The Island of the Bahamas: Divisions F & I

Each TLI was a hub of activity, featuring comprehensive training sessions, engaging workshops, camaraderie, inspiring speakers, and outstanding leaders. The energy was palpable, and the recognition and fun were abundant, making each event truly memorable.

Together, we are poised to grow even stronger and better than ever. We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to our incredible members leading the way! ✨

16/08/2024

Today Toastmasters District 47 in South Florida and The Bahamas received 3 incredible awards. Our very own Pamela D. Rolle received the Toastmasters Presidential Citation, Price Polynice was recognized as the number 15 in the world for Program Quality and I was recognized as the number 4 in the world for club strength.

In 2012 I joined this incredible organization, Toastmasters District 47 in South Florida and The Bahamas. In 2019-2020 I answered the phone when Leonardo Burrows asked me to be a committee chair, does anyone see me raising my helium arm here? This call started me on a 5 year journey which ended in my being the District 47 Director. Toastmasters logo - "Where Leaders are Made" certainly helped me become the leader I am today. I needed this training.

Thank you to the 2023-2024 District Executive Committee for always going the extra mile, Past District Directors for always having my back, my advisory team who always kept me on track, my immediate team, PQD Price Polynice, CGD Ancin Munnings, Admin Mgr Susan Vineta DC, PRM Andrea Robinson and Logistics Manager Andre Noudjo for being incredible.

Huge should out to my mentors, the Kinsey family, Matt Kinsey, International President, 2022-2023, Brandon Kinsey and the one who kept pushing me in front of her, Jeanine Kinsey

District 47, we never lost track of the fact that we serve our members first. It is because of you that our district was recognized on the big stage last night.

I am so proud of all we, as a District, accomplished. District 47 you rock!!!!!

The Official Toastmasters International Members Group

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college?