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What
is Toastmasters?
No, we don't
make toasters!
From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California,
Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in
helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an
audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 220,000 members in
11,300 clubs in 90 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way
to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.
Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who
meet weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills
by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an
impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian.
There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued
by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and
what could be improved.
Good communicators tend to be good leaders. Some well-known
Toastmasters alumni include:
- Peter
Coors
of Coors Brewing Company - Debbi
Fields
, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies - Tom
Peters
, management expert and author - Linda
Lingle
, Governor of Hawaii
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"The names
"Toastmasters International," "Toastmasters," and the Toastmasters
International emblem are trademarks protected in the United States,
Canada, and other countries where Toastmasters Clubs exist.
Unauthorized use is prohibited."
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