Worried about embarrassing yourself in front of an audience?

In Toastmasters, that's not possible. From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 235,000 members in 11,700 clubs in 92 countries, offering a proven and enjoyable way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

Toastmasters do this by offering a safe environment to fail - and learn from experience. Everyone in the meeting was once a beginner and can identify with your nervousness.

As you watch them speak, meeting participants might look like experts to you, but they know the truth: Were it not for repeated practice and the help of constructive evaluations and a trusted mentor, they would not be as competent. The self-paced program allows you to schedule speeches around your work schedule and other commitments. It also helps you progress at your own pace. As you gain experience and confidence, you will have the opportunity to take on leadership and mentoring roles. Many members consider this a valuable way to enhance their own learning experience.

Toastmasters are a group of people who do things they could not do alone. Members learn together and help each other succeed. Members offer support to one another and have fun in each other's company. Toastmasters founder's Ralph Smedley even said, "We learn best in moments of enjoyment." After all, he called his organization "Toastmasters" and not "Roastmasters." In Toastmasters, everyone is cheering for you to succeed!