Toastmasters… 
Public Speaking with Confidence
By Christy L. Riley
Teen Scribe 

Toastmasters makes and builds leaders; in addition, you gain confidence while developing listening and communication skills. 

“Toastmasters is an educational program. You did it because you wanted to. Because it keeps you going and motivated.  Everything that we do is to help you grow. When [someone] wants to learn something, they look towards [a mentor] to learn from. We find something new to learn and we pass it on. We learn something new and share it; that’s the joy of toastmasters. We’re not in it for the money [nor for the glory]; we are in it for the development and growth.” – Eileen James – Lieutenant Governor Education & Training 

Attitude is so important in whatever we do. [You] might as well [just] deal with it. 

We need to learn or at least continue [at our rate of] process of learning… The important thing is we are all there to learn [and no one will judge you for learning at a different speed]. To increase your success rate, you have to first fail. 

If you want to build any type of muscle or endurance… you first have to tone down… It is also [a] very painful [process; a result you will find yourself] stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

“We need to be raising the bar for ourselves and others who come through the doors.” – Steven Moore 

In the words of fellow toastmasters: why join; what does it mean; thoughts on; and would you recommend it: 

I was invited by a friend to a meeting. I was 23 years old and I thought it would be a chance to improve myself. 

If you are fully committed to the program you can expand your world in business and improve your expression at work and church. There is a plus: You make new positive friends and associates. 

The Toastmasters program is planned out to help members grow in education. Your vocabulary will increase. New information is introduced through your speech research and hearing other members speak. It will make you a more interesting person. In other words, it promotes personal growth in conversation.

Most certainly yes! The program is designed to build confidence, and it in turn will become evident in all facets of your life. You will communicate better and it could help you financially or gain position of authority. This does not mean we will be giving speeches for $10,000 a speech, but the improvement will be in your daily life.

I personally felt the improved confidence and I feel the need now after my fall to remain in the group for the stimulation. 

“Toastmasters opens your world.” – Everett Hart 

Toastmasters International is an excellent program for improving one’s communication skills in prepared or impromptu speaking situations.  It is a community of members working on improving communication and leadership skills for different reasons and at different levels but sharing a common effort of self-improvement.  

 A participant improves by not only practicing but by learning from the practice of others.  The climate of the club is encouraging.  With supportive evaluations and suggestions for improvement, a member becomes more composed and more confident.   

The structure of the program provides a personalized approach for becoming a better communicator and leader.  The advanced manuals allow a member to work on specific communication skills in management, sales, broadcasting, and entertainment.   

Toastmasters International has been around since the 1920s, and it is highly regarded.  It’s just fun to be around other people with a similar purpose.”  - Elaine Bailey, Member since 2006 

“I would highly recommend Toastmasters because it offers not only an opportunity to improve one's speaking skills but also to develop life changing relationships.” Ross Gruber 

“Being a toastmaster gives you the opportunity to express your thoughts and ideas in a very fun and safe environment. You have the opportunity to hone your communication and leadership skills, making life more fulfilling every day.” – Bob Farmer

 As a toastmaster, I can now speak in public with confidence, be a good listener, pronounce my words, am developing leadership skills, and know that I can do anything I put my mind to doing.