# Whats the deal with the Toastmasters?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 1, 2002, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916 "2002-11-01T23:54:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2002, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916/1 "2002-11-01T23:54:14Z")

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Got an unsolicited pamphlet in the mail from them today (It looks about 20 years old judging the artwork). I will admit, it interests me a bit (improving speaking ability). Does anyone have experience with them? Are they a legit organziation? Worthwhile?

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [November 2, 2002, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916/2 "2002-11-02T02:08:27Z")

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Yes, they’re legit. I used to be a member.

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**Author:** ![sigSEGV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@sigSEGV](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sigSEGV)\
**Post date:** [November 2, 2002, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916/3 "2002-11-02T02:51:12Z")

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My grandfather has spoken highly of them from his youth.

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**Author:** ![buckgully](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb9ed0/32.png) [@buckgully](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buckgully)\
**Post date:** [November 2, 2002, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916/4 "2002-11-02T02:56:22Z")

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I went to a couple meetings before I had to give a speech at a wedding.

It was quite helpful by gently pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone with public speaking.

Alas, that was many years ago and I think I’ve lost whatever it was I gained from them.

It’s also been really extremely helpful with a number of my coworkers who are not native english speakers and lack confidence to join in conversations.

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**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\
**Post date:** [November 2, 2002, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916/5 "2002-11-02T03:58:07Z")

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Here

[How Toastmasters Can Help You](http://www.toastmasters.org/help.asp)

> [@](#):
>
> ```
> How Toastmasters Can Help You 
> 
> ```
> 
> Your success in business is based on how effective you are. Through participation in the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership program, people from all backgrounds learn to effectively speak, conduct a meeting, manage a department or business, lead, delegate, and motivate.
> 
> How Toastmasters works.
> 
> As your improved communication skills become obvious within the workplace, increased visibility, recognition and promotion will follow.
> 
> Your improved presentation skills will win you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and employees - and make them wonder what you did to change!
> 
> Leadership skills acquired through participation in Toastmasters will increase your management potential.
> 
> As a Toastmaster you will acquire an increased ability to motivate and persuade, making you more effective as a supervisor or manager.
> 
> Members of Toastmaster Clubs have access to a wide range of educational materials, including books, audio and videotapes, and seminar programs available at reduced cost through the Toastmasters International Supply Catalog.

etc etc

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**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\
**Post date:** [November 2, 2002, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-the-toastmasters/134916/6 "2002-11-02T16:45:49Z")

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Thanks. I’ll do some more checking into it. At least it doesn’t sound like a pseudo cult like Amway.