Matthew Tang

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International (TI) is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Through its thousands of member clubs, Toastmasters International offers a program of communication and leadership projects designed to help people learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking.

I originally joined Toastmasters because I felt that I needed to upgrade my communication skills, as well as boosting my confidence while speaking. The problem with working at a computer desk all day is that you don't learn the critical interaction skills needed, whether it's preparing for an interview, talking with your boss about projects, or even socializing with friends.

Is Toastmasters for you? Hard to say. My advice is to try it out. Even experienced speakers can learn a thing or two about talking in front of an audience. Best of all, Toastmasters is Free - just find the nearest toastmaster club near you. Here's a link: http://www.toastmasters.org/Find-a-Club. Toastmaster clubs typicially meet once a week, for about 2 hours.

As a 4-year member of Toastmasters, I have completed about 20 speeches. I've finished my Competent Communication manual, and I have helped organize many events, including Area and District contests.