Toastmasters and public speaking

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Anyone ever go to one of their breakfasts? My Dad was a member for years and years. I just went to a breakfast a while back with a buddy's boss and it was pretty cool... but they make even the uninitiated get up and speak, which was something I hadn't expected.

They have an "um" counter to count the "ums" during a speech.

It seems like a cool and helpful organization but may be perhaps doomed to the fraternal club graveyard, with the Oddfellows and Elks et al.

― andy, Wednesday, 9 June 2004 19:21 (twenty-two years ago)

"Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The first Toastmasters club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively. More clubs were formed, and Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932..."

― andy, Wednesday, 9 June 2004 19:23 (twenty-two years ago)

I always thought that they were masters of the art of toasting bread.

― Nemo (JND), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 19:24 (twenty-two years ago)

What about Roastmasters?

― cramedog, Wednesday, 9 June 2004 21:12 (twenty-two years ago)

Is that something with Tim Conway?

― andy, Wednesday, 9 June 2004 21:17 (twenty-two years ago)

You mean they all don't just get, like, ya know, toasted?

― Michael White (Hereward), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 21:36 (twenty-two years ago)

The local Toastmasters club when I was in high school took some interest in the high school Forensic team and attempted to be helpful to those of us doing debate, public speaking and interpretation. I hardly remember how they helped. I just remember that the guy who was like the president of that chapter was a total tool.

― martin m. (mushrush), Wednesday, 9 June 2004 21:40 (twenty-two years ago)

five years pass...

I've been told again & again by people who swear up & down that I need to join one of these, especially since I'm looking for a job. Apparently, they do wonders for local networking and speaking abilities.

― kingfish, Tuesday, 5 January 2010 22:26 (sixteen years ago)

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