What is Toastmasters?Toastmasters is an apolitical, non-profit, non-sectarian organisation founded over 80 years ago with the sole aim of assisting people to improve their communication and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive and relaxed (but structured) atmosphere. What and who is a Toastmaster?A Toastmaster is a person who learns to listen attentively, think creatively, and communicate effectively in a convivial atmosphere. Mission Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the art of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualisation, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programmes. Vision Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realise their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change. ValuesToastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to excellence, service to the member, and respect for the individual. These are values worthy of a great organisation, and we believe we should incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core values provide us with a means of not only guiding, but also evaluating our operations, our planning, and our vision for the future.  What do I get out of Toastmasters?
Your membership provides these benefits: - A unique means of learning and improving your communicative abilities within an atmosphere of fellowship and fun with your Toastmasters Club members.
- Unlimited opportunities for personal and occupational advancement based on improved abilities and expanded experience.
- Experience in leadership development through training and club involvement.
- Professionally prepared educational materials and resources on speaking, listening, discussion, parliamentary procedure, audio-visual techniques, and conference and meeting procedures.
- The monthly Toastmasters magazine, "The Toastmaster", provides new insights on communication techniques, ideas and opinions.
- Continuing practice and exposure to sound communication techniques.
- Increased confidence, the ability to organise logical thought and present it self-assuredly, and a better understanding of human relations.
- Affiliation with an internationally renowned educational organisation.
What is the worst that can happen to me?You'll meet a lot of new friends. Where and when do we meet?In Southern Africa, Toastmasters is represented by District 74 across nine countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Please refer to the Toastmasters International website or the Toastmasters Southern Africa website to find a club in your area. How do I join?Find a club, go and visit a meeting, and speak to the Vice-President Membership or any of the club members who will be pleased to assist you. As the Toastmasters programme is not lecture based, you can join at any time. When do I make my first speech?With the support of your mentor, you’re encouraged to present your first assignment as soon as possible. During the meeting you’ll hear from many members presenting various assignments, not all of them speeches, as such. There will be a Toastmaster of the Evening, an Invocation, and some informal off-the-cuff speeches called "Table Topics". These are all programme slots that you can volunteer to fill. What do I speak about?You decide. We only require that it is in good taste and not of an offensive nature. Do I follow a programme?Yes. On joining you will receive both a Communication and Leadership Manual, which contains helpful advice and ten assignments, which you will present. Each assignment concentrates on a different aspect of speaking. On completion of these first ten assignments you’ll receive recognition from Toastmasters International in the form of a CC (Competent Communicator) award. While your pace is your own, we encourage you to complete your CC within 12-18 months. Thereafter, you can move on to the Advanced Communication Programme. Here, you present further assignments from more specific topic criteria, such as "Speaking to Management", "The Entertaining Speaker", and "Technical Presentations". While Toastmasters is intended to be a fun, informative and non-judgemental environment, it can also be hard work for those who want to actively work their way through the education programme. This might be a little daunting for fully-abled people; can you imagine the determination and strength of will required by mentally or physically disabled people who achieve these incredible results through Toastmasters? Click here to read the full Toastmasters Educational Programme. Am I given feedback on my presentations?Most definitely! A major part of the learning process is the giving of effective evaluations. Each assignment you present will be evaluated by a fellow Toastmaster, who’ll give constructive feedback. In turn, you too will evaluate other members' assignments. This is part of the "Leadership" component of the Communication and Leadership Programme. What else will I learn?Apart from improving your speaking skills and thereby your self-confidence, you’ll learn meeting protocol and procedures. You’ll also be entertained and informed by the various speakers, including guest speakers, and have the opportunity to enter speaking competitions. In short,Toastmasters' programmes are - inexpensive
- interactive
- convenient
- friendly, and
- supportive.
You will - learn to communicate more effectively
- become a better listener
- improve your presentation skills
- increase your leadership potential
- become more successful in your career
- build your ability to motivate and persuade
- reach your professional and personal goals, and
- increase your self confidence.
You’ll do this by
- building speaking and leadership skills with time-tested methods
- focusing on areas of interest in our self-paced curriculum, and
- receiving suggestions for improvement through constructive evaluations.
The names Toastmasters International and Toastmasters, and the Toastmasters International emblem, are trademarks protected in the United States, Canada, and other countries where Toastmasters clubs exist. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
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About Toastmasters
