Toastmasters International, Inc.

Toastmasters International, Inc. is a US-based nonprofit educational organization dedicated to improving public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. Founded by Ralph C. Smedley, the organization has grown into a global entity with clubs across numerous countries.

History

Early Beginnings

The roots of Toastmasters date back to 1905 when Ralph C. Smedley, then the education director at the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois, organized a club to enhance public speaking skills among local men. However, this initial club disbanded as Smedley moved on to other positions.

Official Founding

The first official Toastmasters club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, marking the beginning of the modern Toastmasters era. Smedley encouraged neighboring communities to start their own clubs, and by 1926, a second club was chartered in Anaheim, California.

Expansion and Incorporation

In 1928, Smedley created the "Manual of Instructions" and "Ten Lessons in Public Speaking" to standardize club meetings. By 1930, nearly 30 clubs had formed, including the first international club in British Columbia, Canada. Toastmasters International was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1932.

International Growth

The first club outside North America was chartered in Southport, England, in 1935. By the 1940s, Toastmasters had expanded significantly, with District 18 in Scotland becoming the first foreign district in 1946.

Post-WWII Developments

Following World War II, Toastmasters continued to grow. In 1959, Smedley published "The Story of Toastmasters (Reminiscences of the Founder)." The organization opened its membership to women in 1973, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Organization and Activities

Club Structure

A typical Toastmasters club consists of 20 to 30 members who meet weekly. Meetings include various roles and activities such as prepared speeches, impromptu speaking (Table Topics), evaluations, and language improvement exercises.

Roles in Meetings

Key roles include the Chairman, who leads the introduction; the Word Master, responsible for the "Word of the Day"; the Toastmaster, who guides the meeting; and the General Evaluator, who oversees the evaluations.

Communication and Leadership Programs

Members follow the Competent Communication Manual to improve basic speaking skills through ten themed speeches. Upon completion, they can progress to advanced manuals for further skill development.

Impact and Global Presence

Today, Toastmasters International boasts more than 13,000 clubs across over 116 countries, making it a leading global organization for public speaking and leadership development. Its inclusive approach has attracted members from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community dedicated to skill-building and personal growth.

Notable Achievements

• Membership Expansion: By the 1980s, membership had grown significantly, reaching 100,000 members. Helen Blanchard became the first female international president in 1985.
• International Headquarters: The organization moved its headquarters from Santa Ana to Rancho Santa Margarita, California, in 1991.
• Digital Presence: Toastmasters launched its official website in 1995, further expanding its reach globally.