Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our organization has more than 332,000 memberships. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 15,400 clubs in 135 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations.
Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.
I have only been in Toastmasters a short time (in fact, I just officially paid my dues). I like the fact that people from different backgrounds come together once a week with the intention of bettering themselves. Pathways is particularly exciting to me because it allows me to pursue the idea of Public Speaking as an income stream and to add credibility to my future goals.
The reason why I like Toastmasters is because it helps you to be more mindful of your speaking allowing you to become more aware of what is and what is not proper when engaged in a conversation. But most importantly, you develop new relationships.
Being in Toastmasters has created for me the support in learning about speaking that was missing from my personal growth journey. It has grown my confidence and courage to share opinions without hesitation due to prior thinking “what if I sound stupid?” I reflect on questions asked, with more thoughtful and deliberate responses. I sound like the leader of myself, not a follower. I am most grateful for the skills I’m learning in leadership and conveying my messages. Lastly, it’s a great value for a minimal cost. People on a personal growth journey are truly missing out if they skip joining Toastmasters!
I am a recent immigrant from Jamaica to the USA. I found that Americans had difficulty understanding my accent. Toastmaster challenges me to listen to American presenters and develop and make concise presentations. The feedback that I receive from club members has had significant impact on building my confidence as a presenter and leader. This is why I love Toastmasters.
The work I do is expanding rapidly. It involves meeting with ever larger groups on a biweekly basis with attendees looking to me as the subject matter expert. Going to toastmasters has helped me tremendously in being more comfortable talking to a large crowd. Toastmasters have helped me grow the confidence to lead presentations and discussions in large group settings that previously scared the heck out of me.
*Note: Members pay Toastmasters International dues of US $60 every six months. (Some clubs may charge additional fees.) All new members also pay a one-time US $20 fee.
