TIP: When you travel, visit a Toastmasters Club.
As well as meeting interesting and diverse people, you will gain local insights you might otherwise miss. To find a Club, just go to the Free Resources tab on the International Toastmasters.org website and select the country or destination. You don't need an invitation, just show up. Guests are always welcome.
If you are a Toastmaster, this is an excerpt from Project 8 - Get Comfortable with Visual Aids.
Feel free to use any of the 3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters below as your elevator speech to quickly introduce people to the benefits.
If you are a non-Toastmaster who is curious to know what the buzz is all about, visit a local club.
If you don't play golf, join business clubs or ride a Harley, you may find that this group can help you to connect with others as you learn and grow.
First, let's Clear up Erroneous Assumptions and Stereotypes:
Toastmasters is ...
Not the Sertoma or Rotary
It IS a method to improve communication and speaking skills via club meeting roles – and a “show and tell for adults”.
Not a group of “Emcees”
It IS a method to learn leadership and team-building skills via club officers’ training program.
Not the Elks, the Moose or the Groundhog Lodge
It is a local organization that attracts individuals motivated by personal development.
Not the Chamber of Commerce Networking “Mixer”
It is international organization through which you can connect with local people and feel instantly at home.
3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters
- How to
think on my feet
- How to give a short impromptu speech
- How to involve and interact with a group
3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters
- How to be a more confident speaker
- How to
fake it until I feel it
- How to turn nervous energy into positive energy
3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters
- How to have fun when speaking to a group
- How to use body language, props, and visual aids
- How to maintain eye-contact without over-reliance on notes
3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters
- How to evaluate another’s performance
- How to give both positive and negative feedback
- How to accept – even look forward to – constructive criticism
3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters
- How to run a meeting
- How to introduce a speaker
- How to stick to an agenda or time limit
3 Things I Learned at Toastmasters
- How to be a better listener
- How to be a better observer of people
- How to be supportive and encourage others as they learn
What's in a Name?
A Toastmaster by any Other Name would Sound More Seductive ...
What does the word Toastmasters conjure up for you? Maybe it is something like this description of The London Toastmaster
from his website:
Announcer and master of ceremonies, this gavel-wielding, tail-coated British Toastmaster is often seen at social, corporate and civic functions. Richard Birtchnell has 30 years of experience at organising and running live events. From banquets to Bar Mitzvahs, royal occasions to weddings, Richard knows the protocol.
Frankly, this was the vague notion of a Toastmaster I held until my sister in San Diego invited me to her club meeting when I was visiting. Now when I look around the room at my club, I see a diverse group of people who seem more into personal development than grand social functions.
In truth, the name Toastmasters at best does not say what this club is about – and at worst gives entirely the wrong impression to prospective members. Maybe we need an Alias!
An Alias for Toastmasters? Something with more zip?
How about Transformers International?
Because many of us will attest to the transformative power of this Club!
The articles on this website are all notes for speeches given at the Franklin and Marshall Toastmasters Club on the way to earning my CTM Certificate as Competent Toastmaster. From the first speech - known as The Icebreaker - given in July 2005, to the Inspire Your Audience project given in January of 2007, I learned a lot more than anticipated and thanks to fellow club members had a good time in the process!
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Marian Joyce helps adventurous types to plan an authentic – yet affordable – Irish travel experience. Get your FREE copy of the special report 'No More Jet Lag’ plus other travel tips, www.YanksGuideIRL.com.
