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!
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 love Toastmasters because it gives me a safe and welcoming environment to grow my skills and network.
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.
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.
