Toastmasters Internationalis the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member Chapters, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the art of speaking, listening, and thinking--vital skills that promote self-actualization, 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 Chapters, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
 
How Toastmasters Can Help You
Much of your success in life is based on how effective you are. Through participation in the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership programs, people from all backgrounds learn to effectively speak, conduct a meeting, manage a department or business, lead, delegate, and motivate.
 
How Toastmasters Works
  • As your improved communication skills become obvious within the workplace, increased visibility, recognition and promotion will follow.
  • Your improved presentation skills will win you the respect and admiration of your friends and colleagues - and make them wonder what you did to change!
  • Leadership skills acquired through participation in Toastmasters will increase your management potential.
  • As a Toastmaster you will acquire an increased ability to motivate and persuade, making you more effective as a supervisor or manager.
  • Members of Toastmaster Chapters have access to a wide range of educational materials, including books, audio and videotapes, and seminar programs available at reduced cost through the Toastmasters International Supply Catalog.
How Toastmasters Meets Your Needs
  • Established in 1924, Toastmasters International uses time-tested programs that are continually updated to meet participants' needs.
  • Self-paced programs allow you to progress as rapidly or gradually as your needs dictate.
  • The hands-on Communication and Leadership programs provide the "how-to" and the practical experience so critical to progress.
  • The Toastmasters program is cost effective, especially when compared to seminars charging hundreds of dollars per day. Pay only a one-time $20 new member fee and $27 dues every six months. The Hackettstown chapter also assesses local dues of $12 every six months.
  • An atmosphere of professional camaraderie makes your Toastmasters Chapter a unique learning environment -- informal, yet dedicated to learning.
  • The Toastmasters program can be tailored to meet your personal objectives. Whether you desire improvement in prepared or impromptu speaking, greater skill in the use of visual aids, experience and knowledge is to be gained in the areas that most interest you.
How The Program Works

The Toastmasters program exposes each participant to a wide range of communication experiences.

  • Each new Toastmaster receives a New Member Kit. The kit features a copy of the basic Communication manual and the Competent Leadership manual, general orientation materials and information regarding skill improvement in areas such as speech evaluation and the use of gestures.
  • The initial prepared speeches, as outlined in the basic Communication program manual, are designed with the new Toastmaster in mind.
  • A variety of assigned speeches help the participant develop competency in areas such as organization, voice inflection and persuasiveness.
  • During the meeting's Table Topics session, members learn to think on their feet by delivering short impromptu speeches, lasting one to two minutes.
  • After giving a prepared speech, each Toastmaster receives a constructive speech evaluation. This process recognizes speakers for their strengths and provides valuable insight into problem areas.
  • Upon completion of the basic Communication program, Toastmasters may participate in the Advanced Communication program. Participants may choose from specific business oriented topics such as Speeches by Management and Technical Presentations. Or choose from more general topics such as The Entertaining Speaker or Storytelling.
  • Workshop style Success/Leadership programs are also available, offering opportunities for further skill development in areas such as leadership, public speaking and conducting business meetings.
Hear from people whose lives were changed by Toastmasters!

Ned: ToastmastersErika: EvaluationsEduardo: Practice,
Changed My Life (1:10)Helped Me (0:45)Practice, Practice! (0:37)

Jaya: BuildingDionne: Supportive Wendy: Overcoming
Confidence (1:08)Environment (0:47)Shyness (0:54)

Trisha: Getting PastCollin: Self ImprovementElizabeth: Becoming
Fear (0:49)(0:41)a Leader (0:45)

Hannah: Personal GrowthSarah: Impromptu
(0:36)Speaking (1:03)
 Updated 11/19/09