Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International (TI) is a nonprofit educational organization headquartered in the United States. Its purpose is to help individuals develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills through a global network of clubs.

Formation and History

Toastmasters International was founded on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by Ralph C. Smedley. Smedley, who worked as an educational director for the YMCA, initially started a series of speaking clubs in Illinois in 1905. However, it was the 1924 club in Santa Ana that laid the foundation for the modern organization. The first international chapter was established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1932. Toastmasters International incorporated as a nonprofit entity under Californian law on December 19, 1932. The organization began admitting women in 1973.

Purpose and Structure

Toastmasters operates through local clubs, with an average membership of about 20-30 people per club. Meetings are typically held weekly, lasting about two hours. Each meeting includes components such as prepared speeches, impromptu speeches (known as Table Topics), and evaluation sessions where participants receive constructive feedback on their presentations. Members are encouraged to take on various roles within the club, such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Evaluator, Timer, and Grammarian, which help them develop leadership and communication skills.

Education Programs

Toastmasters offers several educational programs designed to improve public speaking and leadership skills. The most current program is called Pathways, which includes eleven different paths tailored to members' interests and needs. These paths focus on areas like public speaking, interpersonal communication, management, strategic leadership, and confidence-building. The program uses both online and print materials and is available in multiple languages. Another program, Speechcraft, is a shorter course conducted by experienced members for non-members to introduce them to Toastmasters.

Membership and Reach

By 2020, Toastmasters International reported a membership of over 364,000 across more than 16,000 clubs worldwide. As of recent years, the organization claims a presence in over 149 countries, making it one of the largest public speaking-focused organizations globally.

Activities and Competitions

Toastmasters hosts the World Championship of Public Speaking, which attracts thousands of competitors from over 100 countries. This annual competition culminates at the Toastmasters International Convention, where semifinalists compete for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking.

Financial Status

As a nonprofit organization, Toastmasters International relies on membership fees and donations. In 2016, its revenue was reported as approximately $34.26 million.

Legal Status and Global Presence

Operating as a worldwide entity, Toastmasters International is recognized for its global impact on enhancing communication and leadership skills. As an international nonprofit organization, it operates with a diverse membership base, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth through its network.