Toastmasters International Or “You too can become more comfortable speaking to a group!”

What is Toastmasters? Began 78 years ago Began 78 years ago Over 175,000 members Over 175,000 members Nonprofit organization Nonprofit organization The goal is to make effective oral communication a worldwide reality The goal is to make effective oral communication a worldwide reality Helps members learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking Helps members learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking

It’s more than giving speeches! Learn to organize thoughts Learn to organize thoughts Learn to be a better listener Learn to be a better listener Learn to think on your feet Learn to think on your feet Improve body language Improve body language Work to eliminate bad speech habits Work to eliminate bad speech habits Increase your vocabulary Increase your vocabulary Network Network

How Does It Work? Weekly or biweekly one hour meetings Weekly or biweekly one hour meetings Self-paced progress toward individual goals Self-paced progress toward individual goals No instructor - everyone helps organize and conduct meetings No instructor - everyone helps organize and conduct meetings Immediate constructive and supportive feedback on speeches Immediate constructive and supportive feedback on speeches Occasional speech contests Occasional speech contests

Meeting Agenda Invocation Invocation Word of the Day Word of the Day Joke or Thought of the Day Joke or Thought of the Day Speeches Speeches Table Topics Table Topics Evaluations Evaluations Overall Evaluation of the meeting Overall Evaluation of the meeting

Speech Manuals Self-paced Self-paced Standard 10 speeches: introducing self, body language, persuasive, vocal quality Standard 10 speeches: introducing self, body language, persuasive, vocal quality Advanced manuals: storytelling, public relations, humorous, technical speaking Advanced manuals: storytelling, public relations, humorous, technical speaking Give speech once every 4-6 weeks Give speech once every 4-6 weeks

Table Topics Impromptu 1-2 minute mini- speeches Impromptu 1-2 minute mini- speeches Learn to think on your feet Learn to think on your feet Variety of questions Variety of questions Learn to “bridge” topics Learn to “bridge” topics

Leadership Opportunities Serve as club officer – local and regional Serve as club officer – local and regional Help lead “Speechcraft” workshops Help lead “Speechcraft” workshops Participate in club’s Speakers Bureau for opportunities to speak outside the club setting Participate in club’s Speakers Bureau for opportunities to speak outside the club setting

How Much Does It Cost? Nonprofit organization Nonprofit organization One-time materials fee of $20.00 One-time materials fee of $20.00 Monthly dues of $4-5, paid twice a year Monthly dues of $4-5, paid twice a year Receive monthly Toastmasters Magazine Receive monthly Toastmasters Magazine

For more information: District 31 Toastmasters