Toastmasters International is a not for profit organisation, represented by over 12,500 clubs, comprised of 250,000 members in 106 countries and is dedicated to excellence in leadership and communication. The basis of Toastmasters is a “learn by doing” workshop where members can improve their public speaking and leadership skills in a welcoming, friendly environment. A typical meeting has around 30 members who collaborate every couple of weeks to practice their speaking skills.
Ralph Smedley opened the first Toastmasters club as far back as 1924 in Santa Ana California at his local YMCA. His aim was to meet the needs of leadership and speech training for young men in his local area. His “Ten Lessons in Public Speaking” is still the back bone of today’s Toastmasters educational program which guides the modern day speaker through a series of learning exercises to strengthen your public speaking skills and build confidence. Visit the Toastmasters International site to Learn More About the History of Toastmasters.
At Strictly Speaking Harrogate, we encourage our members to utilise the fantastic resources from Toastmasters International. The Pathways program provides you with a series of speeches to follow, to hone your speech craft, build confidence and to communicate with conviction.
Toastmasters' education program is the foundation of your Toastmasters experience and Pathways is designed to help you build the competencies you need to communicate and lead. Contact us to find out more or visit the Toastmasters International website.
In our District (District 71 of TMI) we have access to portals for information, advice, booking speeches and planning meetings.
Firstly we have the Toastmasters International website. You can browse and download information here as a guest and visitor or as a member by logging in once you have paid your Membership. As a member, this is where you will access the Toastmasters educational program, Pathways.
There is a wealth of information at your disposal on here and very useful if you plan to travel abroad and want to visit a club in another country.
Secondly, we have access to the UK and Ireland website (Districts 71and 91) and the Easy Speak Portal.
This site provides information to guests and members alike. Once a member you can log in and access meeting agendas, calendars and meeting information for any and all of the clubs in District 71 - UK and Ireland and District 91 – UK.