A Brief History of Toastmasters InternationalToastmasters International was founded by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley in October 1924, when the first Toastmasters meeting was held at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California. There are now more than 15,400 Toastmasters Clubs and 332,000 members in 135 countries, with World Headquarters in Mission Viejo, California. Over 4 million men and women have benefited from Toastmasters International training. More than 1,000 corporations and government agencies sponsor in-house Toastmasters Clubs as communication training workshops for their employees. Specialized Clubs have been established at military bases, professional associations, colleges and universities, senior citizens homes and churches, and even in prisons. Toastmasters International is open to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of race, colour, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability, so long as the applicant can participate in the program. A Communication and Leadership ExperienceToastmasters International is an organization of more than 10,500 clubs dedicated to communication and leadership training. When you join a Toastmasters club you can practice public speaking at every meeting before your fellow club members. You are free to progress at your own pace and will always receive the support and guidance you need. You can also learn practical leadership skills by hosting part of a meeting, and by becoming a club officer (each club is run by its members). Communication and leadership go together in Toastmasters, just as they do in business and in the community. Is Toastmasters Right for You?
If you answer “YES”, to any of these questions, Toastmasters is for you. Anyone eighteen years and older can join a Toastmasters club. The Toastmasters educational program will enable you to develop the communication and leadership skills you need, whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree. Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining communication and leadership skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You’ll be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations, and you’ll improve your one-on-one dealings with others. Leaders are good communicatorsLeadership is the art of persuading others to do what needs to be done. To do so, you need to communicate, and you need to work as a team. In our Toastmasters club, you’ll do both. And you’ll find out how to vary your approach to suit the needs of different audiences. |
|
|