ABOUT TOASTMASTERS
Toastmasters is an organization devoted to furthering the public speaking and leadership skills.
It is a non-profit educational organization. A nominal fee is charged just for administrative expenses only.
Toastmasters is organized as voluntary clubs of members conducting meetings weekly or twice a month and go through a measured - step by step – approach for helping members learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking. The atmosphere within the clubs are conducive to growth of the members.
Generally the clubs are open to anyone willing to join, above 18 years of age from College students to professional speakers, salespeople, attorneys, teachers, and retire. Generally the meetings are conducted in English. But Toastmasters has grown from being an English-only organization to one that develops communication skills in several languages. There are now clubs in many languages, including Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic and Tamil, among others. The basic manual (the Competent Communication manual described below) is now available in Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Japanese and Spanish as well as in English.
Each Club is, through a multi layered organization, connected to the apex body, Toastmasters International, Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA.
The organization has now grown into a mammoth one, with more than 250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 108 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
Our proven educational program is self-paced and affordable.
STORY OF TOASTMASTERS
The idea of Toastmasters was born in 1903. Ralph C. Smedley started this organisation with the stated aim -- "to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members".
Smedly chose the name "Toastmasters" for his organization, specializing in furthering public speech because – it resembled closely a banquet with toasts and after-dinner speakers.
Today, Toastmasters International boasts a membership of more than 250000 in 12500 clubs spread over 106 countries. Toastmasters International is the true torch bearers of Smedly’s effort in “making effective communication a worldwide reality”.
Toastmasters International has a dizzying history.
Toastmasters as an organization started in the basement of YMCA on October 22, 1924. The concept caught on in the Southern California’s optimistic climate. Men from neighboring communities sought out the group and liked what they saw. Smedley was quick to help them organize their own Toastmasters clubs. A year later, a second club was started in Anaheim, California, followed by a third in Los Angeles. By 1930, a federation was formed to coordinate activities of the clubs and to provide standard methods.
Some Timelines
- 1932 – incorporation of Toastmasters International
- 1941 – Smedly becomes a full time Toastmaster’s employee.
- 1942-1950 Toastmasters following grew massively. Almost 1500 clubs all over the world
- 1958 Gavel clubs were started to provide communication and leadership training in correctional institutions, hospitals and schools.
- 1962 first World Headquarters of Toastmasters International comes into being
- 1966, the Youth Leadership Program, for young people in junior and senior high school, was Started
- 1973 Toastmasters International open its doors to women
Beyond the dates – the secret of our success
Toastmasters International’s success and growth is due to the continued development of its educational programs. The organization has come a long way since the first speech manual, “Basic Training” was published in 1942.
The current manual, “Communication and Leadership Program”, was updated in 2004. After members of Toastmasters complete all 10 speech projects in that manual, they may apply for their Competent Toastmaster (CTM) award and then choose from any combination of 15 advanced manuals.
That is not all. New programs, like the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program, Success/Leadership Series, and self-study cassette tape programs, are added frequently to augment / supplement the Communication and Leadership program.
In addition to the various educational materials available through the Toastmasters International Supply Catalog, members receive the monthly publication, The Toastmaster magazine. Club and district officers receive a bimonthly newsletter, TIPS, and district officers receive District Newsletter each month.
Honor Galore
For the Competent Communicator, there are other peaks to scale, namely, Advanced Communicator Bronze (AC-B), Advanced Toastmaster Silver (AC-S), and Advanced Toastmaster Gold (AC-G);
The Competent Leader (CL) can win Advanced Leader (AL-B) and Advanced Leader (AL-S).
The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) remains the highest award.
Where we are today?
Smedley's legacy is flourishing.
Thousands of corporations and government agencies sponsor in-house Toastmasters clubs as communication training workshops for their employees. Specialized clubs meet at military bases, colleges and universities, churches and prisons. There are Toastmasters clubs for senior citizens, professional groups, bilingual groups singles and the visually impaired.
Between then and now more than three million men and women have benefited from the Communication and Leadership program of Toastmasters International.
Shortly before his death in 1965 at the age of 87, Toastmasters founder Ralph C. Smedley reminisced: "As I look back at over half a century of connection with the Toastmasters movement, I am impressed by the fact that a simple idea put to work in so simple a manner, has grown into such an instrument for service for so many people. It must have met a real need."
Indeed it does. We are all testimony to that fact.
Compiled by TM Subha Anupindi & TM Siva Raman
VISION & MISSION
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL VISION
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member Clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL VALUES
Toastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to excellence, service to the member and respect for the individual. These are values worthy of a great organization, and we believe we should incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating our operations, our planning and our vision for the future.
THE MISSION OF TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking—vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of Clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
THE MISSION OF DISTRICT
The mission of the District is to enhance the performance and extend the network of Clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters educational program by:
- Focusing on the critical success factors as specified by the District educational and membership goals.
- Insuring that each Club effectively fulfils its responsibilities to its members.
- Providing effective training and leadership opportunities for Club and District officers
THE MISSION OF CLUB
The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Reproduced by TM Subha Anupindi
BENEFITS OF JOINING A TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Mid Life Crisis Averted.
You have settled down in a job. Now what. Look for GROWTH. Mostly, growth demands different skills from what you possess now. You need to be smarter –yes –you are already a good worker; but then …… – To step up, you need to communicate to others – Objectives, Targets, Methods, Tactics. If you don’t communicate you will remain where you are now. A good worker. And may not become a good manager.
Where will you be if you join a Club
You will --
- develop self-confidence and poise when speaking in public
- give effective presentations to all types of audiences
- speak off the cuff on a variety of topics
That is not all. When you master our leadership program, you will be able to --
- host and speak at family and social occasions
- evaluate other speakers
- mentor and coach fellow other younger members of your community
- organize and run meetings, courses and conferences
- conduct, judge and participate in speech contests
- tell stories, present awards and introduce speakers
- give educational speeches and workshops
Fun all the way
Yes progress at what cost. To you, your family life and other commitments.
Meetings are organized twice in a month. Easy on your time right? For a two hour slot.
Detailed programs are given to you – focusing improving each aspect of your speech craft and leadership. One Step at a time.
Guidance and evaluation from seniors, instantly.
The environment within a meeting is supportive not competitive.
Countless opportunities of networking with Seniors.
And it is really good fun to be a Toastmaster.
Is that all ?
The fun does not end there. You will enjoy the following opportunities.
- Participation in Speech contests. Lot of honors to win.
- Listening to Accredited and Special speakers from all over the world.
- Attend Joint club meetings, Visiting other clubs and learn from them at no cost to you.
- Participation in Conferences of International Quality
- Officer training (semi-annual)
- Participation in Division & District events
- Participation in Division & District leadership
All this at a very minimal cost to you. Equal to 3 cups of tea per day.
Come visit a club of your choice. Before deciding. You need not prove anything to anyone. It is YOU we want to improve by our methods, to benefit yourself.
District 79 is a part of the Toastmasters International organization. The Toastmasters network provides a wide range or resources and support. There are many different clubs in District 79. They meet at different times and locations and they all have their own club culture. Feel free to visit or call around before you decide what club suits you best. There are regular interclub events such as training sessions and speaking contests and debates for those with a competitive edge.
How to Join Toastmasters?
You can join Toastmasters by following the five easy steps given below:
First Step
First, search the Toastmasters club database to find clubs where you live. Narrow the list down based on the time of day (morning, mid-day, evening) or day of the week that fits your schedule.
Second Step
Attend a couple of club meetings so that you can experience firsthand what Toastmasters is all about.
Plan to visit a few clubs. Don’t settle for the first club you find. Every club has a unique club culture. Find the one that suits you the best.
Third Step
Send an e-mail or call the contact person on the club listing to verify the meeting time and location and so that the club will know to expect you. Some clubs are entirely free to visit while others meet in restaurants and may require a meal purchase.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Club members will be eager to meet you.
Fourth Step
If you have visited a club and found it to your liking, ask a member (preferably an officer, who is more likely to be able to help you) for an application form and Sign up.
Fifth Step
Toastmasters dues are inexpensive, particularly compared to other training options.
Commit yourself to excellence. Toastmasters is a program where you only get out in proportion to what you put in.
Compiled by TM Subha Anupindi & TM Siva Raman
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