Toastmasters Explained

“You’re a what?” is the usual response from those unfamiliar with Toastmasters. This section introduces the central premise.

Contrary to popular belief, members of Toastmasters clubs do not make toasters but they do make toasts. Have you ever been in a situation where an impromptu speech or toast was required of you? Have you worked hard and prepared a perfect presentation for an important meeting at work but failed in giving a powerful presentation simply because you could not deliver your ideas effectively? Theses concerns are real and are encountered by everyone.

Toastmasters started very humbly at the YMCA at Santa Ana, California in 1924. It was founded by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley who conceived the idea of helping others speak more effectively.

Now Toastmasters is a world wide not-for-profit organization that consists of more than 260,000 members in 12,500 clubs in 113 countries.

Toastmastering is a proven method that significantly improves communication and leadership skills. These skills are not taught by a single or team of instructors but through a fully interactive session that places the learner into certain roles vital to a successful Toastmasters session.

There are a variety of roles that members and guests can participate during the meeting including giving speeches, checking grammar, keeping track of time and offering constructive evaluation to the role players. Each club has its own personality and its own way of conducting the meeting. However, the overall progression of the meeting is the same regardless of location as there are certain standardized roles.

Toastmasters meetings are held on a regular basis and last between one and two hours. Most clubs gather weekly, some bi-weekly, yet others meet monthly.

For those that want to learn more about Toastmasters, the best advice is to just visit a club nearby to see if the Toastmasters approach to effective communication is what you are looking for.

If you want more detailed information about what Toastmasters do, then please visit the official website here or learn more about our dynamic club, SRTM, here.