Toastmasters International, Inc.

Overview

Toastmasters International, Inc. is a US-based nonprofit educational organization focused on helping individuals develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. With a rich history spanning over a century, Toastmasters was founded by Ralph C. Smedley in the early 1900s.

History

The first unofficial Toastmasters club meeting took place on March 24, 1905, in Bloomington, Illinois. This initiative was part of Smedley's work as the education director of the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). The club aimed to improve public speaking, meeting conduct, and other social skills among its members. However, this initial club disbanded when Smedley relocated.

On October 22, 1924, the first official Toastmasters club was established in Santa Ana, California. This marked the birth of the modern Toastmasters International organization, which was formally incorporated as a nonprofit in 1932. The first international chapter was opened in Vancouver, Canada, in 1932, and by 1935, the organization had expanded to Southport, England.

In 1973, Toastmasters opened its membership to women, marking a significant milestone in its development. The organization has since grown globally, with thousands of clubs across the world.

Organization Structure

Toastmasters operates through a local club structure, with an average of 20-30 members per club. Meetings are typically held weekly or biweekly and involve various roles such as Toastmaster, Speaker, Evaluator, Timer, and Grammarian. Each club is a separate entity that must meet specific requirements to achieve chartered status, allowing them to use the Toastmasters name and program materials.

Programs and Activities

The core of Toastmasters meetings includes prepared speeches based on educational manuals, Table Topics (impromptu speeches), and evaluations to provide constructive feedback. The current education program, called Pathways, offers eleven paths for members to develop skills in areas such as Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Strategic Leadership. Each path consists of fourteen projects.

Additionally, Toastmasters offers Speechcraft, a short program designed for non-members to develop speaking skills. Leadership skills are developed through roles at the club, area, or district levels and participation in speech contests.

Membership and Impact

As of 2016, Toastmasters International reported a membership of around 364,000 across its global network. The organization has grown to include over 13,000 clubs in 116 countries, providing a platform for adults of all ages to enhance their communication and leadership abilities.

Revenue and Operational Structure

In 2016, Toastmasters International reported revenues of approximately $34.25 million. The organization relies on both staff and volunteer efforts, with over 117,000 volunteers contributing to its operations in 2016.