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.
As an Upper Cervical Chiropractor, Toastmasters provides me with the safe and supportive environment to improve my communication and leadership skills. I am thankful to be growing through Toastmasters as I am recent graduate, working as an Associate Doctor at Upper Cervical Centers (Cedar Falls), and gaining the tips, tools, and strategies to be an effective communicator of Chiropractic to my community and the world.
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.
I love Toastmasters because it fosters an inclusive environment with opportunities for each member to grow both personally and professionally. Toastmasters self-paced programs are designed to meet each member where they are, regardless of the level of skill or experience. The programs cater to member needs whether the goal is to develop your own skills – or utilize them to inspire others.
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!
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.
*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.
