FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters is a training and educational organization which teaches its members communication, leadership, training and management skills, and builds their self confidence. It is the largest and most successful organization of its type in the world.

Toastmasters International Homepage

How long has Toastmasters been around?
Toastmasters International was founded in 1924 and now has over 8600 Clubs in over 60 countries around the world. As a Toastmaster you will be welcome in any of these Clubs.

Why do People join Toastmasters?
People join Toastmasters in order to:
• Develop the skills to persuade and convince others
• Learn to put their ideas across clearly and with conviction
• Improve their self-confidence before a group of people
• Learn to think quickly and clearly under pressure
• Learn to listen effectively and critically
• Train to become a good leader

What specifically will I learn to do as a Toastmaster?
In a Toastmasters Club you will learn, by doing.
• How to give an impromptu speech
• How to give a prepared speech
• How to evaluate what you hear
• How to introduce speakers
• How to Chair and run meetings
• All these skills will help you develop self confidence.

How do I learn these skills?
When you join a Toastmasters Club you receive a complete training kit covering all aspects of speaking and evaluation. This kit includes a Communication and Leadership manual. This manual reflects the years of experience Toastmasters has in helping people just like you. It takes you step by step through the art of making and evaluating speeches.

In particular you learn by doing with your efforts evaluated by your fellow Club members. You will be gradually introduced to the various roles within a Toastmasters meeting. Gaining proficiency in these helps build up your skills.

How soon will I be an expert?
People all progress at their own pace. Some move faster than others but everyone that joins Toastmasters and participates in the program can be sure they will become a competent speaker. Your skills develop gradually. As you proceed you will find that situations that once terrified you, now hold no fears for you.

Is it expensive?
No. In fact in comparison to various courses, seminars, programs, cassette and video kits offered through the media, Toastmasters is the least expensive and in our opinion the most effective way to learn public speaking and to develop confidence and self esteem. While Clubs charge their fees in various ways, the ongoing cost to belong to Toastmasters in all cases works out at less than $2 per week.

Who can join Toastmasters?
Anyone over the age of 18 years may join Toastmasters. With thousands of clubs in the United States, there is sure to be a club near you! You can find details of Toastmasters Clubs by clicking the Find a Club button below.

What do I need to do to join Toastmasters?
Visitors are always assured of a friendly welcome at every Toastmasters Club. You just need to find a club to visit, and our club is located in Queen Anne, Seattle. Visitors may attend one or more Clubs a number of times to see the Toastmasters program in action without any obligation. Clubs differ in size, culture, types of venues, meeting times and lengths and meal arrangements, so “shopping around” is sometimes necessary to find a suitable Club. Once you’ve decided to become a member with Toast of the Town, you will need to be voted in by the membership after three visits, complete a member application and pay a pro-rated, six month member dues fee of $39.00. This fee pays for membership, a subscription to toastmaster’s magazine, a speaking manual and other materials.

How do I choose a Toastmasters club to visit?
Come visit Toast of the Town or use the Find a Club link to find details of the Clubs in your area. Please use the contact phone number or e-mail address to contact a Club before you visit them. This ensures that you will be expected and enables the Club to explain any special aspects of their next meetings.

How do I get more information about your club?
Please, email info@toastofthetowntoastmasters.org with any questions, comments and how to contact you. Someone from our club will get in touch with you. You can also use the Contact Us form on our page to submit this information.