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.
Toastmasters have provided me with more than just an opportunity to hone my skills as a public speaker. It has given me insight in to how the organization has impacted the people it touches and how it really changes people’s lives. To me, that is a bigger drawing force than improving myself as a professional.
Toastmasters have helped me to better organize my thoughts and speak confidently in high stress situations and in public. I also like having the “safe space” to give and receive feedback as that helps both the giver of the feedback and the receiver of the feedback learn and grow.
I joined Toastmasters for the friendships I wanted to develop. I quickly learned that through Toastmasters I could learn to be a leader. As someone who is an extrovert working retail, the speaking didn’t seem to be as crucial. However, no matter how much an extrovert I was, I was not a leader. Now I am!
My goal in joining Toastmasters was to become more comfortable speaking in front of a group of individuals – whether it was at a department meeting or giving a toast at a friends’ birthday party. I was not familiar with the speaking options for Toastmasters, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn I did not have to give a speech every week and that I was able to customize my journey to fit my personal and professional goals. One of the unintended side benefits that I have had with joining Toastmasters is the ability to network with various people across the company and other Toastmaster clubs. This group is very supportive and wants to help you reach your goals.
Toastmasters are about more than speeches and even performance; it is about confidence, networking, and conversation. I love the opportunities to refine my skills and gain knowledge from watching other speakers.
*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.
