Toastmasters International, Inc.

Toastmasters International, Inc. is a US-headquartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to enhancing the communication, public speaking, and leadership skills of its members. The organization operates with the Employer Identification Number (EIN): 95-1300076, although this number is often referenced in association with its operations.

History

The precursor to Toastmasters began when Ralph C. Smedley, an educational director for the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois, founded an informal speaking club on March 24, 1905. This early initiative aimed to help young men develop communication and leadership skills in a social setting. Smedley continued this concept as he moved to different locations within Illinois and later to California.

The modern foundation of Toastmasters International was laid on October 22, 1924, when Smedley established the first official Toastmasters club in Santa Ana, California. This marked the beginning of an international organization.

In 1932, the organization was officially incorporated and adopted the name Toastmasters International. This milestone marked the beginning of its expansion and formalization as a non-profit organization.

Expansion and Growth

Toastmasters has grown significantly since its inception. By 1935, the first club outside of North America was chartered in Southport, England. The organization continued to expand internationally, establishing its first district in Scotland in 1946.

In 1973, Toastmasters opened its membership to women, further broadening its reach and diversity. Over the years, Toastmasters has continued to grow, with a significant presence across the globe.

Programs and Structure

Toastmasters operates through a local club-based structure, with each club averaging around 20 to 30 members. Meetings typically occur weekly or biweekly and include roles such as prepared speeches, impromptu speaking (known as Table Topics), and evaluations to provide feedback to speakers.

The organization offers several educational programs, most notably the Pathways program, which provides multiple learning paths focused on public speaking, interpersonal communication, management, strategic leadership, and confidence building. Each path includes 14 projects that are supported by both online and print materials.

Membership and Impact

As of 2020, Toastmasters International had a membership of approximately 364,000 individuals worldwide. The organization is renowned for its role in helping people overcome public speaking anxieties and develop strong leadership skills.

Toastmasters is supported by a large network of volunteers who help manage the clubs and promote its programs.

Financial Overview

In 2016, Toastmasters International reported a revenue of $34,255,739 and maintained a staff of approximately 198 employees.

Challenges and Adaptations

The organization faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting its operations to online platforms to continue supporting members' development of public speaking and leadership skills. This adaptation reflected Toastmasters' commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.

Today, Toastmasters International continues to be a premier educational organization, providing invaluable resources for individuals seeking to enhance their communication and leadership skills across diverse cultures and geographies.