Whatever your goals may be, much of your success in life will depend on your ability to speak. People who can effectively communicate possess one of the skills necessary for successful living.
Toastmasters International provides the tools that enable people to develop this skill. The Toastmasters program has proven itself around the world. On average, the gross membership of Toastmasters International increases at a rate of approximately 250 people per day, for a total of more than 170,000 members in more than 8,000 clubs in over 50 countries.
You don't need a personal invitation to join. The Toastmasters program is for everyone 18 years of age or older. Our members are categorized from different walks of life to name a few directors, managers, executives, engineers and doctors.
Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The first Toastmasters Club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. More Clubs were formed and Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law of December 19, 1932.
Toastmasters International's business and services are administered by World Headquarters located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. It employs no paid promoters or instructors. It has no salaried staff except the Executive Director and World Headquarters staff, who provide services to the Clubs and Districts.
How Toastmasters can Help You ?
Your success in business is based on how effective you are. Through participation in the Toastmasters communication and leadership program, people from all backgrounds learn to effectively speak, conduct a meeting, manage a department or business, lead, delegate and motivate.
What Toastmasters Can Do For You ?
As your improved communication skills become obvious within the workplace, increased visibility, recognition and promotion will follow. Your improved presentation skills will win you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and employees and make them wonder what you did to change! Leadership skills acquired through participation in Toastmasters will increase your management potential. As a Toastmaster you will acquire an increased ability to motivate and persuade, making you more effective as a supervisor or manager.
How Toastmasters Meets Your Needs ?
Toastmasters International uses timetested programs that are continually updated to meet participants needs Self-paced programs allow you to progress as rapidly or gradually as your need dictate. The Toastmasters program is tailored to meet your personal objectives. Whether you desire improvement in prepared or impromptu speaking, greater skill in the use of visual aids, experience and knowledge is to be gained in the areas that most interest you.
How does the Program Work ?
The Toastmasters program exposes each participant to a wide range of communication experiences. Each new Toastmaster receives a new member kit within 4-6 weeks of joining. This kit is mailed directly to each member from World Headquarters. The kit features a copy of the basic Communication and Leadership manual. The initial prepared speeches, as outlined in the basic Communication and Leadership program manual, are designed with the new Toastmaster in mind. During the meeting's Table Topics session, members learn to think on their feet by delivering short impromptu speeches, lasting two minutes. After giving a prepared speech, each Toastmaster receives a constructive speech reviewuation. This process recognizes speakers for their strengths and provides valuable insight into problem areas.
Benefits from Toastmasters
Members learn to:
1 Improve presentations
2 Develop managerial skills
3 Better relate to one another
4 Develop and present ideas
5 Offer constructive reviewuation
6 Develop listening skills
7 Accept criticism more objectively
8 Be a more confident and productive individual
A Laboratory for Leaders
The Toastmasters Club also functions as a laboratory for developing leadership skills. Members have the opportunity to serve as Club officers, where they can develop their administrative and leadership skills in a positive, supportive environment. They learn to utilize parliamentary procedure, to accept and delegate responsibility and to exercise the fundamentals of planning and leadership.
Toastmasters Programs
1) High Performance Leadership
This hands-on, skill-building program requires you to conduct a project of your choice in which you serve as a leader. Reflecting your own goals, the project may be affiliated with your participation at Club, Area, Division, District, Business or Community level. The High Performance Leadership manual walks you through the project's different phases, providing study material and activities to compete. As you progress you will learn about:
a.The need for leadership, the six dimensions of leadership, your current leadership skills and becoming a more effective leader.
b. Developing a vision and a mission
c. Building a team and creating an action plan.
d. Helping the team accomplish its mission and dealing with setbacks.
e. Analyzing efforts.
2) The Leadership Excellence Award
Your efforts will be recognized! After you complete the manual and submit an application, Toastmasters International will send you a handsome, numbered certificate that secures your place as a recognized participant in this innovative program.
3) Success/Leadership
As a Toastmaster, you will be exposed to our unique success/Leadership Program. The Success/Leadership program is an innovative series of educational workshop-style modules. These workshops encompass topics such as effective listening, leadership, conducting meetings, training and management. Participation in this program builds skills that will help each individual become a more effective leader and communicator.
|
