What is Toastmasters? 
How long has Toastmasters been around? 
Why do people join Toastmasters?
What will you learn as a Toastmaster? 
How do you learn these skills?
How soon will you be an expert
Who can join Toastmasters?

  
What is Toastmasters? Toastmasters is a training and educational organisation which teaches its members communication skills that build self confidence through public speaking. It is the largest and most successful organisation of its type in the world.

How long has Toastmasters been around? Toastmasters International was founded in 1924 and now has more than 200,000 members in over 10,000 Clubs in 60 countries around the world.

Why do people join Toastmasters? People join Toastmasters in order to: Practice public speaking and enhance their presentation skills.  Develop the skills to persuade and convince others.  Learn to put their ideas across clearly and with conviction.  Improve their self-confidence before a group of people.  Learn to think quickly and clearly under pressure.  Learn to listen effectively and critically.  Learn to supportively evaluate someone else's presentation.

What specifically will you learn to do as a Toastmaster? In a Toastmasters Club you will learn, by doing. How to give an impromptu speech.  How to give a prepared speech.  How to evaluate what you hear. How to introduce speakers. How to Chair and run meetings. All these skills will help you develop self confidence. 

How do you learn these skills? When you join a Toastmasters Club you receive a complete training kit covering all aspects of speaking and evaluation. This kit includes both a Communication manual and a Leadership manual. These manuals reflect the years of experience Toastmasters has in helping people just like you. They take you step by step through the art of making and evaluating speeches and developing leadership skills.  In particular you learn by doing with your efforts evaluated by your fellow Club members. You will be gradually introduced to the various roles within a Toastmasters meeting. Gaining proficiency in these helps build up your skills. 

How soon will I be an expert? People all progress at their own pace. Some move faster than others but everyone who joins Toastmasters and participates in the program can be sure they will become a competent speaker. Your skills develop gradually. As you proceed you will find that situations that once terrified you, now hold no fears for you.

Who can join Toastmasters? Anyone over the age of 18 years may join Toastmasters.