Toastmasters International: Difference between revisions

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imported>GreenMeansGo
 
imported>Bob C. Alexander
Add independently sourced sentence noting leadership development practices within U.S. Toastmasters clubs.
 
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| region                  = Worldwide
| region                  = Worldwide
| membership              = 364,000<ref name="Who">{{Cite web |url=https://www.toastmasters.org/about/all-about-toastmasters |title=All About Toastmasters |publisher=Toastmasters International |access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref>
| membership              = 265,261 <ref name="Who">{{Cite web | url=https://content.toastmasters.org/image/upload/ceo-report-august-2025.pdf | title=CEO Report August 2025 | website=toastmasters.org/}}</ref>
| membership_year          = 2020
| membership_year          = 2025
| language                =  
| language                =  
| owner                    = <!-- or | owners = -->
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| budget                  =  
| budget                  =  
| budget_year              =  
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| revenue                  = $34,255,739<ref name="IRS">{{Cite web |url=https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/951300076_201612_990_2018010915102275.pdf |title=Form 990 of Toastmasters International, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2016 |publisher=[[Internal Revenue Service]] |access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref>
| revenue                  = $38,571,257 <ref name="IRS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.toastmasters.org/about/annual-financial-reports|title=Toastmasters International -Annual Financial Reports|website=www.toastmasters.org}}</ref>
| revenue_year            = 2016
| revenue_year            = 2024
| staff                    = 198<ref name="IRS" />
| staff                    = 198<ref name="IRS" />
| staff_year              = 2016
| staff_year              = 2016
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'''Toastmasters International''' ('''TI''') is a US-headquartered [[Non-profit organization|nonprofit]] educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping people develop [[communication]], [[public speaking]], and [[leadership]] skills.
'''Toastmasters International''' ('''TI''') is a US-headquartered [[Non-profit organization|nonprofit]] educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping people develop [[communication]], [[public speaking]], and [[leadership]] skills. Most clubs accept guests for free to get a Toastmasters Experience. Independent reporting has noted that many U.S. clubs incorporate leadership development alongside speech training, with meeting roles and structured projects designed to help members practice organizing, evaluating, and guiding group activities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Synge |first=Daniel |date=12 September 1995 |title=How to speak in public |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-to-speak-in-public-1599576.html |access-date=17 November 2025 |work=The Independent}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
On 24 March 1905, Dr. [[Ralph C. Smedley]], a 1903 graduate from [[Illinois Wesleyan University]], who was also the educational director for [[Bloomington, Illinois|Bloomington]] [[YMCA]] in [[Illinois]], started a club in a dinner meeting, to train young boys and men in speech, to face an audience, and to express their thoughts. He envisioned it as a weekly social club, with training programs for short speeches, debates, and work in chairmanship. The members took turn to speak in 5 to 6 minutes while the elder men served as speech evaluators. George Sutton, General Secretary of YMCA, named the club "a Toastmasters Club". Smedley later noticed a significant improvement in his members' speeches and leadership abilities. When YMCA transferred Smedley to another city named Freeport in Illinois, he decided to expand his club to the new city.<ref name="Levine 1999"/>
On 24 March 1905, Dr. [[Ralph C. Smedley]], a 1903 graduate from [[Illinois Wesleyan University]], who was also the educational director for [[Bloomington, Illinois|Bloomington]] [[YMCA]] in [[Illinois]], started a club in a dinner meeting, to train young boys and men in speech, to face an audience, and to express their thoughts. He envisioned it as a weekly social club, with training programs for short speeches, debates, and work in chairmanship. The members took turn to speak in 5 to 6 minutes while the elder men served as speech evaluators. George Sutton, General Secretary of YMCA, named the club "a Toastmasters Club". Smedley later noticed a significant improvement in his members' speeches and leadership abilities. When YMCA transferred Smedley to another city named Freeport in Illinois, he decided to expand his club to the new city.<ref name="Who"/>


The organization grew out of a single club founded by Smedley on October 22, 1924, at the [[YMCA]] in [[Santa Ana, California]], United States.<ref name="OCM1" /> It originated as a set of classes with the aim of improving the communication skills of the young men under his charge.<ref name="Indie1">{{Cite news |last=Synge |first=Daniel |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-to-speak-in-public-1600759.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-to-speak-in-public-1600759.html |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=How to speak in public |date=September 12, 1995 |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=June 14, 2018 |location=London}}</ref><ref name="LAT1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-29-mn-56025-story.html |title=Smedley: A Quiet Man With Lots to Say About Speech |last=Hamashige |first=Hope |date=29 October 1994 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |location=[[Los Angeles]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125012532/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-29-mn-56025-story.html |archive-date=25 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019}}</ref> Toastmasters International was incorporated under [[California]]n law on December 19, 1932.<ref name="OCM1">{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Majorie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PWEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA45 |title=Out of the Past: Toasting the Toastmasters |date=November 1990 |work=[[Orange Coast (magazine)|Orange Coast]] |access-date=June 12, 2018 |issue=November 1990 |pages=45–46 |format=Digitised magazine |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="KPF1" />
The organization grew out of a single club founded by Smedley on October 22, 1924, at the [[YMCA]] in [[Santa Ana, California]], United States.<ref name="OCM1" /> It originated as a set of classes with the aim of improving the communication skills of the young men under his charge.<ref name="Indie1">{{Cite news |last=Synge |first=Daniel |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-to-speak-in-public-1600759.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-to-speak-in-public-1600759.html |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=How to speak in public |date=September 12, 1995 |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=June 14, 2018 |location=London}}</ref><ref name="LAT1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-29-mn-56025-story.html |title=Smedley: A Quiet Man With Lots to Say About Speech |last=Hamashige |first=Hope |date=29 October 1994 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |location=[[Los Angeles]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125012532/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-29-mn-56025-story.html |archive-date=25 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019}}</ref> Toastmasters International was incorporated under [[California]]n law on December 19, 1932.<ref name="OCM1">{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Majorie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PWEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA45 |title=Out of the Past: Toasting the Toastmasters |date=November 1990 |work=[[Orange Coast (magazine)|Orange Coast]] |access-date=June 12, 2018 |issue=November 1990 |pages=45–46 |format=Digitised magazine |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="KPF1" />
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The first international chapter was established in [[Vancouver|Vancouver, Canada]], in 1932. The organization began admitting women in 1973.<ref name="OCM1" /><ref name="LaviolaYears">{{Cite news |last=Laviola |first=Karen |title=A toast to Toastmasters' 65 years |date=October 24, 1989 |work=[[Orange County Register]]}}</ref>
The first international chapter was established in [[Vancouver|Vancouver, Canada]], in 1932. The organization began admitting women in 1973.<ref name="OCM1" /><ref name="LaviolaYears">{{Cite news |last=Laviola |first=Karen |title=A toast to Toastmasters' 65 years |date=October 24, 1989 |work=[[Orange County Register]]}}</ref>


In 1999, Toastmasters International (TI) had 170,000 members spanning 68 countries.<ref name="Levine 1999">{{Cite thesis |last=Levine Bremen |first=Ellen Beth |title="Welcome, fellow toastmasters": The history and membership of a public speaking phenomenon |date=1999-01-01 |degree=Masters of Arts Degree |publisher=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |url=https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/rtds/1107 |doi=10.25669/f0y4-w1ku}}</ref> By 2016, TI had 16,000 clubs worldwide.<ref name="blakeHow">{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=John |url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/14/us/toastmasters-champions/index.html |title=Stop texting and start speaking: The Olympians of storytelling show you how |date=October 14, 2016 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>
In 1999, Toastmasters International (TI) had 170,000 members spanning 68 countries.<ref name="Who"/> By 2016, TI had 345,000 members and 16,000 clubs worldwide.<ref name="blakeHow">{{Cite news |last=Arjan |first= |date=September 7, 2016 |title=Toastmasters International Hits New Milestones |url=https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2016-09-07-Toastmasters-International-Hits-New-Milestones?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date= |publisher=}}</ref> By 2025, TI had 265,000 members across 149 countries and 13,833 clubs worldwide.<ref name="Who"/>


==Toastmasters club structure==
==Toastmasters club structure==
Toastmasters International uses a local club-based structure, with an average club size of around 22 members. Meetings are held every week or every other week and usually in the evening, although some clubs meet in the morning or afternoon.<ref name="OCM1" /><ref name="Indie1" /><ref name="KPF1">{{Cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LgYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA17 |title=Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking... |date=April 1970 |work=[[Kiplinger's Personal Finance|Changing Times (The Kiplinger Magazine)]] |access-date=June 14, 2018 |publisher=The Kiplinger Washington Editors |pages=17–18}}</ref> Each club operates as a separate entity with a set of requirements leading to chartered status for them to be recognised as official Toastmasters clubs. The chartered status allows clubs to use the names, promotional material and program of Toastmasters International.<ref name="MPN1">{{Cite news |last=Dewey |first=Larry |url=https://archive.org/download/mpnewsjan1966mont/mpnewsjan1966mont.pdf |title=Score Yourself as a Public Speaker |date=January 1966 |work=Montana Prison News |access-date=June 23, 2018 |volume=VII|issue=1 |pages=51–52 |language=en}}</ref>
Toastmasters International uses a local club-based structure, with an average club size of around 22 members. Meetings are held every week or bi-weekly and usually in the evening, although some clubs meet in the morning or afternoon.<ref name="OCM1" /><ref name="Indie1" /><ref name="KPF1">{{Cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LgYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA17 |title=Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking... |date=April 1970 |work=[[Kiplinger's Personal Finance|Changing Times (The Kiplinger Magazine)]] |access-date=June 14, 2018 |publisher=The Kiplinger Washington Editors |pages=17–18}}</ref> Each club operates as a separate entity with a set of requirements leading to chartered status for them to be recognised as official Toastmasters clubs. The chartered status allows clubs to use the names, promotional material and program of Toastmasters International.<ref name="MPN1">{{Cite news |last=Dewey |first=Larry |url=https://archive.org/download/mpnewsjan1966mont/mpnewsjan1966mont.pdf |title=Score Yourself as a Public Speaker |date=January 1966 |work=Montana Prison News |access-date=June 23, 2018 |volume=VII|issue=1 |pages=51–52 |language=en}}</ref>


Every meeting is based on a set of organized speeches. Speakers are given feedback, often by a more experienced member, who then gives an impromptu speech with constructive feedback based on their performance.<ref name="AMWA1">{{Cite news|last=Delacruz|first=Bernard (PhD)|date=June 2016|title=My Road to Toastmasters|language=en|volume=6|pages=96–97|work=Postscripts|agency=[[American Medical Writers Association|American Medical Writers Association – Pacific Southwest Chapter]]|issue=44|url=https://archive.org/details/v6n44|access-date=June 22, 2018}}</ref>
Every meeting is based on a set of organized speeches. Speakers are given feedback, often by a more experienced member, who then gives an impromptu speech with constructive feedback based on their performance.<ref name="AMWA1">{{Cite news|last=Delacruz|first=Bernard (PhD)|date=June 2016|title=My Road to Toastmasters|language=en|volume=6|pages=96–97|work=Postscripts|agency=[[American Medical Writers Association|American Medical Writers Association – Pacific Southwest Chapter]]|issue=44|url=https://archive.org/details/v6n44|access-date=June 22, 2018}}</ref>


Part of the meetings is devoted to [[Table topic|Table Topics]], which are impromptu speeches that are assigned on the spot by a Topicsmaster. The goal of this is to think on one's feet with minimal preparation. In some clubs, attendees are then asked to vote on who they thought gave the best speech.<ref name="OCM1" /><ref name="Indie1" /><ref name="KPF1" />
Part of the meetings is devoted to [[Table topic|Table Topics]], which are impromptu speeches that are assigned on the spot by a Topicsmaster. The goal of this is to think on one's feet with minimal preparation. In most clubs guests can choose to participate in the Table Topics segment of the club meeting. In some clubs, attendees are then asked to vote on who they thought gave the best speech.<ref name="OCM1" /><ref name="Indie1" /><ref name="KPF1" />


==Education programs==
==Education programs==
Toastmasters International places a large emphasis on building the public speaking and leadership skills of its members.<ref name="AMWA1" /> The current education system '''Pathways''' consists of eleven differing paths suited to their needs and requirements, based around ''Public Speaking'', ''Interpersonal Communication'', ''Management'', ''Strategic Leadership'', and ''Confidence''. Each path consists of 14 projects.<ref name="BP1">{{cite news |title=Toastmasters modernizes its education program with Pathways |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/news-and-pr/1490338/toastmasters-modernizes-its-education-program-with-pathways |website=[[Bangkok Post]] |access-date=June 22, 2018 |language=en |date=June 22, 2018}}</ref> Content consists of online and print materials, it being the first time in the organization’s history to provide modern technology in its programme.<ref name="BP1" /><ref name="Hindu1">{{cite web |last1=Majumdar |first1=Meghna |title=Pathways: Toastmasters' programme goes online |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/pathways-toastmasters-programme-goes-online/article22946336.ece |website=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=June 22, 2018 |language=en-IN |date=March 6, 2018}}</ref> Content is available in English,<ref name="Delano1">{{cite web |last1=Bauldry |first1=Jess |title=Public speaking in Luxembourgish |url=http://delano.lu/d/detail/news/public-speaking-luxembourgish/180550 |website=Delano – Luxembourg in English |access-date=June 22, 2018 |location=[[Luxembourg]] |language=en |date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> and as of 2023, translations are available in 10 languages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toastmasters International -Translated Options |url=https://www.toastmasters.org/Education/Pathways/Translated%20Options |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=www.toastmasters.org |language=en}}</ref> '''Speechcraft''' is a 4- to 8-week program with materials hosted online and is conducted by experienced Toastmasters members for non-members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toastmasters International -Speechcraft |url=https://www.toastmasters.org/education/speechcraft |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=www.toastmasters.org |language=en}}</ref> To develop leadership skills, members lead at the club, area, or district levels, focus on content development, and participate in speech contests.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Sha |first1=Mandy |url=https://www.amazon.com/CAN-YOU-TOO-Inspirations-award-winning/dp/B0C522W4Z5 |title=If we can do it, you can, too! Inspirations from award-winning speakers & leaders |last2=Lee |first2=Cassandra |year=2023 |isbn=9798379235413 |pages=|publisher=Amazon Digital Services LLC - Kdp }}</ref>
Toastmasters International places a large emphasis on building the public speaking and leadership skills of its members.<ref name="AMWA1" /> The current education system '''Pathways''' consists of 6 differing paths suited to their needs and requirements, based around ''Public Speaking'', ''Interpersonal Communication'', ''Management'', ''Strategic Leadership'', and ''Confidence''. The available pathways are  ‘''Dynamic Leadership, Engaging Humor, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, Presentation Mastery and Visionary Communication''’. Every path is made up of at least 14 projects.<ref name="BP1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.toastmasters.org/education/pathways|title=Toastmasters International -Pathways Learning Experience|website=www.toastmasters.org}}</ref> Content consists of online and print materials, it being the first time in the organization’s history to provide modern technology in its programs.<ref name="BP1" /><ref name="Hindu1">{{cite web |last1=Majumdar |first1=Meghna |title=Pathways: Toastmasters' programme goes online |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/pathways-toastmasters-programme-goes-online/article22946336.ece |website=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=June 22, 2018 |language=en-IN |date=March 6, 2018}}</ref> Content is available in English,<ref name="Delano1">{{cite web |last1=Bauldry |first1=Jess |title=Public speaking in Luxembourgish |url=http://delano.lu/d/detail/news/public-speaking-luxembourgish/180550 |website=Delano – Luxembourg in English |access-date=June 22, 2018 |location=[[Luxembourg]] |language=en |date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> translations are available in 5 languages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toastmasters International -Translated Options |url=https://www.toastmasters.org/education/pathways |access-date= |website=www.toastmasters.org |language=en}}</ref> '''Speechcraft''' is a 4- to 8-week program with materials hosted online and is conducted by experienced Toastmasters members for non-members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toastmasters International -Speechcraft |url=https://www.toastmasters.org/education/speechcraft |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=www.toastmasters.org |language=en}}</ref> To develop leadership skills, members lead at the club, area, or district levels, focus on content development, and participate in speech contests.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Sha |first1=Mandy |url=https://www.amazon.com/CAN-YOU-TOO-Inspirations-award-winning/dp/B0C522W4Z5 |title=If we can do it, you can, too! Inspirations from award-winning speakers & leaders |last2=Lee |first2=Cassandra |year=2023 |isbn=9798379235413 |pages=|publisher=Amazon Digital Services LLC - Kdp }}</ref>


==Public speaking championship==
==Public speaking championship==
Toastmasters runs an international public speaking championship formally known as the Toastmasters International [[World Champion of Public Speaking]], which is held annually at its International Convention in August.<ref name="MooneyChampion">{{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Harrison |title=Vancouver lends an ear to world's best speakers; Toastmasters holds 86th convention, crowns new international champion |date=August 28, 2017 |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]}}</ref><ref name="NasirWords">{{Cite news |last=Nasir |first=Noorain |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/dananjaya-hettiarachchi-speaks-on/article6535348.ece |title=Winning with Words |date=October 26, 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=June 11, 2018}}</ref><ref name="MurphyFlop">{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Dave |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/03/20/sometimes-you-can-be-a-successful-flop/ |title=Sometimes you can be a successful flop |date=March 20, 2002 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name="Basheda">{{Cite news |last=Basheda |first=Lori |title=Stand and deliver Speaking Toastmasters select their world champion, whose theme is failure's value. Series |date=August 26, 2001 |work=Orange County Register}}</ref> It started in 1938 and involves over 33,000 participants in 141 countries, making it the world's largest oratory contest.<ref name="NasirWords" /><ref name="BP2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/news-and-pr/1477097/resident-of-france-is-semifinalist-in-the-worlds-largest-speech-contest |title=Resident of France is semifinalist in the world's largest speech contest |date=June 1, 2018 |website=[[Bangkok Post]] |language=en |access-date=June 22, 2018}}</ref> There is a six-month process of elimination to reach the semifinals; in 2018, there were 106 participants who made it that far. There are ten places in the final, and speeches are judged on content, gestures, organization, and style.<ref name="BP2" />
Toastmasters runs an international public speaking championship formally known as the Toastmasters International [[World Champion of Public Speaking]], which is held annually at its International Convention in August.<ref name="MooneyChampion">{{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Harrison |title=Vancouver lends an ear to world's best speakers; Toastmasters holds 86th convention, crowns new international champion |date=August 28, 2017 |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]}}</ref><ref name="NasirWords">{{Cite news |last=Nasir |first=Noorain |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/dananjaya-hettiarachchi-speaks-on/article6535348.ece |title=Winning with Words |date=October 26, 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=June 11, 2018}}</ref><ref name="MurphyFlop">{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Dave |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/03/20/sometimes-you-can-be-a-successful-flop/ |title=Sometimes you can be a successful flop |date=March 20, 2002 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref name="Basheda">{{Cite news |last=Basheda |first=Lori |title=Stand and deliver Speaking Toastmasters select their world champion, whose theme is failure's value. Series |date=August 26, 2001 |work=Orange County Register}}</ref> It started in 1938 and involves over 33,000 participants in 141 countries, making it the world's largest oratory contest.<ref name="NasirWords" /><ref name="BP2">{{Cite news |date=August 2024 |title=Resident of France is semifinalist in the world's largest speech contest |url=https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2024/aug/convention-2024-celebrating-past-and-present |publisher=Toastmasters International |language=en}}</ref> There is a six-month process of elimination to reach the semifinals; in 2018, there were 106 participants who made it that far. There are ten places in the final, and speeches are judged on content, gestures, organization, and style.<ref name="BP2" />
 
=== 2024 World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS) ===
 
* The contest began with 30,000 participants across 150 countries, going through several elimination rounds over six months.<ref name="BP2" />
* At the International Convention in Anaheim, 28 semifinalists competed across four semifinal rounds; eight finalists (two from each round) advanced to the WCPS final.<ref name="BP2" />
* Luisa Montalvo won the championship, becoming the first Hispanic to do so. She triumphed over seven other finalists.<ref name="BP2" />


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Education}}
{{Portal|Education}}
* [[Association of Speakers Clubs]]
* [[Association of Speakers Clubs]]
* [[Communications training]]
* [[Communications training]]

Latest revision as of 19:44, 18 November 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other Toastmasters International (TI) is a US-headquartered nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping people develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Most clubs accept guests for free to get a Toastmasters Experience. Independent reporting has noted that many U.S. clubs incorporate leadership development alongside speech training, with meeting roles and structured projects designed to help members practice organizing, evaluating, and guiding group activities.[1]

History

On 24 March 1905, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, a 1903 graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University, who was also the educational director for Bloomington YMCA in Illinois, started a club in a dinner meeting, to train young boys and men in speech, to face an audience, and to express their thoughts. He envisioned it as a weekly social club, with training programs for short speeches, debates, and work in chairmanship. The members took turn to speak in 5 to 6 minutes while the elder men served as speech evaluators. George Sutton, General Secretary of YMCA, named the club "a Toastmasters Club". Smedley later noticed a significant improvement in his members' speeches and leadership abilities. When YMCA transferred Smedley to another city named Freeport in Illinois, he decided to expand his club to the new city.[2]

The organization grew out of a single club founded by Smedley on October 22, 1924, at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, United States.[3] It originated as a set of classes with the aim of improving the communication skills of the young men under his charge.[4][5] Toastmasters International was incorporated under Californian law on December 19, 1932.[3][6]

The first international chapter was established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1932. The organization began admitting women in 1973.[3][7]

In 1999, Toastmasters International (TI) had 170,000 members spanning 68 countries.[2] By 2016, TI had 345,000 members and 16,000 clubs worldwide.[8] By 2025, TI had 265,000 members across 149 countries and 13,833 clubs worldwide.[2]

Toastmasters club structure

Toastmasters International uses a local club-based structure, with an average club size of around 22 members. Meetings are held every week or bi-weekly and usually in the evening, although some clubs meet in the morning or afternoon.[3][4][6] Each club operates as a separate entity with a set of requirements leading to chartered status for them to be recognised as official Toastmasters clubs. The chartered status allows clubs to use the names, promotional material and program of Toastmasters International.[9]

Every meeting is based on a set of organized speeches. Speakers are given feedback, often by a more experienced member, who then gives an impromptu speech with constructive feedback based on their performance.[10]

Part of the meetings is devoted to Table Topics, which are impromptu speeches that are assigned on the spot by a Topicsmaster. The goal of this is to think on one's feet with minimal preparation. In most clubs guests can choose to participate in the Table Topics segment of the club meeting. In some clubs, attendees are then asked to vote on who they thought gave the best speech.[3][4][6]

Education programs

Toastmasters International places a large emphasis on building the public speaking and leadership skills of its members.[10] The current education system Pathways consists of 6 differing paths suited to their needs and requirements, based around Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Management, Strategic Leadership, and Confidence. The available pathways are ‘Dynamic Leadership, Engaging Humor, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, Presentation Mastery and Visionary Communication’. Every path is made up of at least 14 projects.[11] Content consists of online and print materials, it being the first time in the organization’s history to provide modern technology in its programs.[11][12] Content is available in English,[13] translations are available in 5 languages.[14] Speechcraft is a 4- to 8-week program with materials hosted online and is conducted by experienced Toastmasters members for non-members.[15] To develop leadership skills, members lead at the club, area, or district levels, focus on content development, and participate in speech contests.[16]

Public speaking championship

Toastmasters runs an international public speaking championship formally known as the Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking, which is held annually at its International Convention in August.[17][18][19][20] It started in 1938 and involves over 33,000 participants in 141 countries, making it the world's largest oratory contest.[18][21] There is a six-month process of elimination to reach the semifinals; in 2018, there were 106 participants who made it that far. There are ten places in the final, and speeches are judged on content, gestures, organization, and style.[21]

2024 World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS)

  • The contest began with 30,000 participants across 150 countries, going through several elimination rounds over six months.[21]
  • At the International Convention in Anaheim, 28 semifinalists competed across four semifinal rounds; eight finalists (two from each round) advanced to the WCPS final.[21]
  • Luisa Montalvo won the championship, becoming the first Hispanic to do so. She triumphed over seven other finalists.[21]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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External links

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