Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our organization has more than 332,000 memberships. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 15,400 clubs in 135 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations.
Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.
I have been with Toastmasters for just over a year now. Since I have been involved, I have learned some extremely useful skills in leadership and communication that I use in my day to day position as a Quality Manager with Wells Fargo. In my role I have to be able to effectively communicate to a wide range of individuals and Toastmasters has helped to further develop this skill.
Being in Toastmasters has created for me the support in learning about speaking that was missing from my personal growth journey. It has grown my confidence and courage to share opinions without hesitation due to prior thinking “what if I sound stupid?” I reflect on questions asked, with more thoughtful and deliberate responses. I sound like the leader of myself, not a follower. I am most grateful for the skills I’m learning in leadership and conveying my messages. Lastly, it’s a great value for a minimal cost. People on a personal growth journey are truly missing out if they skip joining Toastmasters!
I have only been in Toastmasters a short time (in fact, I just officially paid my dues). I like the fact that people from different backgrounds come together once a week with the intention of bettering themselves. Pathways is particularly exciting to me because it allows me to pursue the idea of Public Speaking as an income stream and to add credibility to my future goals.
The reason why I like Toastmasters is because it helps you to be more mindful of your speaking allowing you to become more aware of what is and what is not proper when engaged in a conversation. But most importantly, you develop new relationships.
Toastmasters have helped me to better organize my thoughts and speak confidently in high stress situations and in public. I also like having the “safe space” to give and receive feedback as that helps both the giver of the feedback and the receiver of the feedback learn and grow.
*Note: Members pay Toastmasters International dues of US $60 every six months. (Some clubs may charge additional fees.) All new members also pay a one-time US $20 fee.
