Toastmasters International

Overview

Toastmasters International is a U.S.-headquartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Founded on October 22, 1924, by Ralph C. Smedley, the organization operates through a worldwide network of local clubs.

History

The roots of Toastmasters date back to 1905 when Ralph C. Smedley, then the education director at the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois, formed an informal club to improve speech and leadership skills among young men. These early clubs did not persist due to Smedley's transfers. However, in 1924, Smedley established the first permanent Toastmasters club in Santa Ana, California, marking the beginning of today's organization.

Toastmasters International was officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 1932. The organization expanded rapidly, with the first international chapter established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1932, and the first club outside North America in Victoria, British Columbia. In 1935, the first club was chartered in Southport, England. Women were admitted to the organization in 1973, significantly broadening its membership base.

Structure and Meetings

Toastmasters clubs typically consist of 20 to 30 members who meet weekly or bi-weekly. Meetings are structured around prepared speeches, evaluations, and impromptu speaking sessions known as Table Topics. Each meeting includes various roles such as the Toastmaster, General Evaluator, Timer, and Grammarian, ensuring active participation from all members.

Education Programs

The organization offers several educational programs focused on enhancing public speaking and leadership skills. The Pathways program, introduced in recent years, provides eleven learning paths with 14 projects each, covering topics like Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Strategic Leadership. Other programs include the Competent Communication Manual, which guides members through ten speeches to develop fundamental speaking skills.

Global Presence

By 2020, Toastmasters International had approximately 364,000 members across more than 16,000 clubs in various countries. Its global reach extends to over 116 countries, with clubs in diverse cultural settings.

Revenue and Operations

The organization operates with a substantial volunteer base and a smaller number of paid staff. In 2016, it reported revenues of about $34.3 million. Volunteers play a crucial role in managing clubs and organizing events at local, area, and district levels.

Membership and Participation

Membership is open to individuals aged 18 and above from any background. Members participate in speech contests, leadership roles, and community service activities, which are central to the organization's mission of fostering communication and leadership skills.