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 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!
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.
Toastmasters is about discovery. Who are you? What do you really want? What is the best way to go about getting the life that makes you happiest? Once this is mapped in your mind, Toastmasters gently, with love and affection, mentor you on your journey. In the meantime you will meet people so amazing that just knowing them will change your life forever. That is what Toastmasters has done for me.
As an introvert, I like to just sit and listen, or go somewhere quiet and read a book. It’s easier, and feels safer. But because of my experience in Toastmasters, I can speak with confidence when I do get up in front of people, and I know I communicate effectively and that I continue to improve.
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.
*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.
