Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International (TI) is a US-headquartered nonprofit educational organization operating clubs worldwide to help people develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.

History

The origins of Toastmasters date back to March 24, 1905, when Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, the educational director for the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois, started a speaking club. However, the first official Toastmasters club was founded by Smedley on October 22, 1924, at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California. Initially, these clubs aimed to improve the communication skills of young men, and the name "Toastmasters" was chosen because it referred to a person who gave toasts at banquets and other occasions. Toastmasters International was incorporated as a nonprofit under Californian law on December 19, 1932. The organization expanded internationally with its first club outside the United States established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1932 and later across the Atlantic in Southport, England, in 1935. Women were first admitted to Toastmasters in 1973.

Organization Structure

Toastmasters operates through a network of local clubs, each with its own leadership structure. Meetings are usually held weekly or biweekly, often in the evening, though some clubs meet at other times. A typical club has 20 to 30 members, and the meetings include prepared speeches, impromptu speaking (known as Table Topics), and feedback sessions. Members progress through educational programs such as the Pathways learning experience, which offers eleven paths focused on public speaking, interpersonal communication, and leadership development.

Education Programs

The primary educational programs of Toastmasters focus on developing public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. Key components include:

• Pathways: This modern learning system offers tailored paths for members to improve skills in public speaking, leadership, and more. It includes online and print materials and is designed to cater to different learning styles.
• Speechcraft: A short-term program designed for non-members to quickly gain speaking skills.
• Competent Communication Manual: This manual guides members through ten speeches, each designed to develop specific communication skills.

Mission and Values

Toastmasters International empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders through a supportive learning environment. The organization's core values include integrity, respect, service, and excellence. It strives to enhance members' personal lives and careers, enabling them to positively impact their communities.

Membership and Impact

As of recent years, Toastmasters has a global membership exceeding 270,000 and operates over 14,000 clubs across 116 countries. The organization has transformed the lives of nearly eight million people since its inception by providing a platform for skill development and networking opportunities.

Financial and Operational Overview

toastmasters international operates as a non-profit organization with volunteer-driven club management and a centralized administration. It relies on membership fees and donations to support its activities worldwide.