Avery Adam Young of New Orleans was a member of Toastmasters International for three years winning many awards and earning rank while also serving as a board member. In the following article, Adam Young explains more about the organization, its background, and mission.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Avery Adam Young of New Orleans explains that for over 115 years, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Today, there are more than 16,000 clubs in 143 countries, helping more than 350,000 members grow and improve.
As one of the oldest clubs dedicated to personal and professional development, Toastmasters International has gained a reputation for being a leading voice in the industry. Avery Adam Young of New Orleans takes a quick look at the history of this club, explores the types of people who make up its membership, and discovers where they are currently located throughout the world.
The History of Toastmasters International
Adam Young of New Orleans explains that Toastmasters International was unofficially founded in 1905 when Ralph C. Smedley held a small meeting to help his local YMCA group become better public speakers. The name “toastmaster” originally referred to toasting at a public banquet. The group set out to master the skills needed to give a powerful toast and, henceforth, they became known as the Toastmaster group.
Yet, it was until October 1924 that Ralph C. Smedley made the organization an official non-profit in Santa Ana, California. The organization quickly grew in popularity and by 1927, they were already looking for ways to expand globally.
The 1930s saw Toastmasters begin to expand their reach beyond North America, as they started establishing clubs in India, Europe, South America, and the Philippines. The organization also started publishing a monthly magazine, The Toastmaster, which featured articles on public speaking and leadership.
Toastmasters International continued to grow throughout the years and by the early 21st century, there were Toastmasters clubs in every continent. Avery Adam Young of New Orleans notes that the organization now has over 16,000 clubs and more than 350,000 members from nearly every country in the world.
Who Are the Members of Toastmasters International?
Toastmasters International is made up of a diverse group of people from all walks of life. Avery Adam Young of New Orleans says the organization has members from nearly every country on the planet and its clubs are located in communities of all sizes. Most members come from intelligent and educated backgrounds, working in a wide range of fields.
Toastmasters International is open to everyone, though, as long as they want to improve their communication and leadership skills. The organization is often favorable to business types looking to become better pitchers, as well as academics who want to perfect the skills needed to present research and findings.
Most importantly, though, the organization offers a supportive and friendly environment where members can learn and grow at their own pace. Educational courses follow specific pathways that allow students to learn the skills they are most interested in.
The 11 Learning Pathways of Toastmasters International
Avery Adam Young of New Orleans reports that members of Toastmasters International have access to 11 specific educational pathways that help them develop better communication and leadership skills. These pathways include:
1. Dynamic Leadership
2. Effective Coaching
3. Engaging Humor
4. Innovative Planning
5. Presentation Mastery
6. Visionary Communication
7. Persuasive Influence
8. Leadership Development
9. Motivational Strategies
10. Strategic Relationships
11. Team Collaboration
Pathways are presented online and are accessible from anywhere in the world. Avery Adam Young of New Orleans says courses are taught in English, Spanish, simplified and traditional Chinese, French, Arabic, German, Japanese, and Portuguese, with certain pathways available in Tamil and Korean.
Courses put an emphasis on experiential learning and provide an opportunity for self-paced education backed and supported by a system of mentors and coaches.
Where are Toastmasters International Clubs Located?
Adam Young of New Orleans explains that currently, Toastmasters International is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado but the organization has clubs located throughout the world. No matter where you are, you can find a club thanks to the organizations wide reach across:
- China
- Russia
- India
- U.S.A
- Nearly all of Europe
- Australia
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Cuba
- Turkey
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Korea
- Japan
- And many, many more
Every club is unique and is staffed by a diverse group of people who share a common goal of helping others grow and improve their public speaking, communication, organizational, and leadership skills. If you are interested in finding a Toastmasters International club near you, the organization has an online search tool that can help you locate a club in your area.
Concluding Thoughts
Avery Adam Young of New Orleans notes that if you want to improve your communication and leadership skills, Toastmasters International is a great organization to join. With a rich history dating back over 100 years, the organization has helped millions of people from all walks of life become better communicators and leaders. In the coming years, Toastmasters International will continue to expand its reach, offering courses and pathways to more people from all over the globe.
