"Toastmasters
International is the leading movement devoted to making
effective oral communication a worldwide reality.
Through its
member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women
learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking - vital
skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership
potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the
betterment of mankind.
It is basic to
this mission that Toastmasters International continually
expand its worldwide network of Clubs, thereby offering
ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from
its programs."
"The
Toastmasters program is not a college, trade school, or other
formal course in public speaking. There are no
instructors, professors, or classrooms. No one's work is
graded and no tests are administered. In Toastmasters,
members learn by studying the manuals, practicing, and helping
one another. Learning takes place in the Club
environment. Club meetings are workshops where you study
and practice communication and leadership skills with others
who are there for the same reason as you. You learn by
doing and by watching fellow Club members."
-- from Toastmasters International
Communication and Leadership Program Manual
