Why Become a Toastmaster?

The fear of public speaking outranks the fear of death by a margin of two-to-one according to a survey reported in The Book of Lists.

Toastmasters can help. Toastmasters helps you get over the fear of public speaking and teaches you how to channel that anxiety into presenting dynamic speeches that inspire your audience.

Whether you need to speak publicly for your career or personal life, to run your meetings more effectively, to lead your group more effectively, or to do some self image improvement.

Overcome Fear, Hone your skills

You'll improve your public speaking and leadership skills through weekly involvement in Toastmasters. You are given all the tools necessary; the prepared and impromptu speeches that you give will help get you over the initial fear of public speaking and then will further hone your skills in a supportive environment. Educational manuals, a mentor, constructive evaluation, evaluating others and listening to experienced speakers all will contribute to your continuing improvement.

You start with the Competent Communicator program, a series of ten speeches. Each speech works on a different skill that progresses you from getting over your initial fear of public speaking with the "Ice Breaker", then works on organization, gestures and props to finally reach the point of giving an inspirational speech.

Once you obtain your Competent Communicator designation, you can continue to obtain more advanced speaking and leadership skills. Remember that good public speaking happens with lots of practice and is maintained with practice.