If one wants to improve their public
speaking skills, this is one of the best organizations around to
help you, at a low price and comfortable environment. This
organization, founded in 1924, is indeed an important self
improvement, skills building organization. More than 3 million
people have reportedly taken the Toastmasters program to date.
The organization is the world’s largest devoted to the improvement
of public speaking, communications, and leadership skills.
The first Toastmasters Club was established on
October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by Dr. Ralph Smedley, who conceived
and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively. More clubs
were formed during the late 1920s and early 1930s, and Toastmasters
International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932.
There are now more than 11,500 clubs throughout the
United States, Canada, and 90 other countries. Approximately 225,000 members are
currently active (up from 180,000 in 2003). According to the company,
their organization is growing rapidly, opening new clubs in the United States as
well as internationally. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization.
Management reports that many companies are
starting their own clubs lately. Right now, the ratio of “public” community
clubs to corporate-based clubs is about ten to one, but the share for
corporations is rising.
Upon joining a local Toastmasters chapter or club,
members pay a $20 new-member fee, which provides them with a complete kit of
educational materials. Annual membership dues are then $54, which includes a
magazine subscription. Members meet in small, supportive groups that get
together in informal locations (churches, companies, libraries, high schools,
colleges, restaurants, banks, hotels, government buildings, etc.).
Each person gives a speech for several minutes
before the group, and is critiqued. As one progresses through further meetings,
the talks get longer, and members hone their speaking skills. Some groups are
“open,” while others are closed to the public, consisting of employees of a
particular company, for example.
According to the website, Toastmasters training
helps employees: (1) give better sales presentations, (2) hone their managerial
skills, (3) work better with fellow employees, (4) effectively develop and
present ideas, (5) offer constructive criticism, and (6) accept criticism more
objectively.
Headquarters Address
Toastmasters International
23182 Arroyo Vista
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 (949-858-8255)
Executive Director: Dan Rex
2007 membership: 225,000
Website: www.toastmasters.org
