In 1924 the Toastmasters organization was founded by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. The first meeting of the 'number 1' club was held in Santa Anna, California on October 22, 1924. From those early beginnings the organization has grown to 8000 clubs having a membership of over 170,000, with meetings taking place in 60 countries. Millions of men and women have benifited from the educational prgram provided by Toastmasters International.

ITS PURPOSE ?

As Dr. Ralph Smedley described it the purpose of Toastmasters is obviously to help men and women overcome the fear of the audience, gain facility in speech and learn how to express themselves clearly and concisely. However he also said that the fundamental thing of Toastmasters is to develop personality. Self expression of any constructive sort helps in the integration of character, in the building of personality and in the discovery and conservation of latent abilities. No kind of selfexpression is more effective to these ends than that involved in public speech.

THE PROGRAM ?

The program provided by Toastmasters International is unique with many benefits. It is an educational program which allows you to prgress at your own pace. Using manuals developed by Toastmasters International and the aide of experienced speakers in the club, the novice toastmaster follows a logical path to success and self development.