The What, Who, and Why of Toastmasters
What is Toastmasters? Who are the Forks Toastmasters? Why should I join?
Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Win that job interview?
You’ve come to the right place. Since 1924, more than 4 million people around the world have benefited from membership in toastmasters. Through our member clubs, people can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change. Today Toastmasters is a world leader and now has more than 260,000 members around the globe. Before joining, you may be curious to learn a little more about the what, why and how of this organization. Here are some answers to get you started.
What is Toastmasters?
A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a friendly atmosphere. A typical group has 20 to 40 members who meet weekly, biweekly or monthly. The average meeting lasts 60 – 90 minutes. There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This friendly feedback process is a key part of the program’s success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and also develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure.
Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. Members also learn leadership skills by taking on various meeting roles and working in the Competent Leadership manual. In our learn-by-doing approach, we don't lecture our members about leadership skills; we give them responsibilities and mentoring to help. Then we ask them to lead.
Who are The Forks Toastmasters?
We are ordinary people from all walks of life who have benefited from membership in Toastmasters. Through our club, members have improved their communication and leadership skills. With mentor and network relationships, members have developed a camaraderie within the group allowing members to easily find the courage to embrace the next challenge. We're a fun and interesting group of people and welcome you to join us!
Why should I join?
The Toastmasters International program offers many benefits. You will:
- Increase your self-confidence
- Be a better speaker
- Be a better leader
- Communicate more effectively
- Be a better listener
- Improve your presentation skills
- Ignite your career
- Hone your skills of persuasion
- Reach your professional and personal goals
The Toastmasters International program offers many terrific features. It is:
- Inexpensive
- Interactive
- Convenient
- Friendly
- Supportive