Public Speaking and Leadership Expert
Toastmasters International Quick Facts
Main Areas: Public Speaking and LeadershipBecome a Better Speaker
Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. By learning to formulate and convey your ideas, you open a new world of possibilities. You will be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations and you will improve your one-on-one dealings with others.
Become a Leader
Leadership is the art of persuading others to do what you wish. To succeed, you need to communicate, and you need to work as a team. In Toastmasters, you’ll do both. And you’ll find out how to vary your approach to suit the needs of different people, be they the audience for a speech, the committee for a fundraiser or your coworkers and managers.
It Really Works!
Don’t worry! Everyone in a Toastmasters club was once at the level you are now. The environment is friendly and supportive, and the self-paced program allows you to build confidence with each speaking assignment.
And you’ll love the applause! Constructive evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters program. Each time you give a prepared speech, an evaluator will point out strengths and suggest improvements.
What Happens When I Join?
With more than 220,000 members in 11,300 clubs in 90 countries, you’re sure to find a meeting near you. Most groups meet weekly or biweekly for one to two hours. The meetings are organized so that everyone will have a chance to speak, should they want to. You schedule your own speaking assignments a few weeks in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare.
Speaking assignments are varied, with the first one designated as an “ice breaker” – a description of yourself and your life that lasts between five and seven minutes. You’ll be assigned a mentor to help you settle in and get through your first speaking roles. As you grow in confidence, you assignments will grow with you.
Importantly, whenever you stand up and speak, you receive encouraging, helpful feedback on how it went and how you can improve next time.
"The unprepared speaker has a right to be afraid."
-- Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, Founder, Toastmasters International
"We learn best in moments of enjoyment."
-- Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, Founder, Toastmasters International
To learn more about Toastmasters International, please visit:
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/WhyJoin.aspx
For help with public speaking issues, please visit:
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/WhyJoin/WhatToastmastersCanDoForYou.aspx
Visit www.toastmasters.org to learn more about this organization.
You may also call (949) 858-8255 and ask for information about membership.
