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What is a Toastmasters Club? Print E-mail
Through club activities and conferences, Toastmasters helps its members improve their communication and leadership skills while fostering self-confidence and personal growth.  A Toastmasters club is a "learn-by-doing" workshop in which men and women practice their skills in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. A typical club has 20 to 30 members, who meet weekly for about an hour to learn and practice public speaking techniques.

There is no instructor in a Toastmasters club, but there is a structured educational program. Members complete projects from a series of manuals. Each speaking project has a different objective that will contribute to developing a well-rounded set of skills. Members also learn how to conduct evaluations of speakers in a positive and constructive way. Every speaker is assigned an evaluator who relates their observations about the speaker’s strengths and then offers suggestions for improvement. This evaluation process is an integral component of the overall educational program.

Besides taking turns delivering prepared speeches and evaluating those of other members, Toastmasters give impromptu talks on assigned topics, usually related to current events. They also develop listening skills, conduct meetings, learn parliamentary procedure, and gain leadership experience by serving as club officers.