Communication plays a central role in the success of a company, and, as a business owner, you must communicate with your employees, investors, and consumers to help your company grow. But communication is a skill that needs to be developed to fit with your business’s vision and mission. One organization that can help you become a more effective communicator and leader is Toastmasters International. The organization’s 2022-2023 international president, Matt Kinsey, explains more about Toastmasters and how a membership can benefit you and your business.

What is Toastmasters International?

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, we have helped millions of people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

How does one sign up?

Everything in Toastmasters revolves around the club. Most people can find one near them, and they typically have around twenty members who meet once a week for an hour. A prospective member can join by simply visiting one of our more than 14,000 clubs worldwide, where they can fill out an application form and pay the $45 membership dues plus a $20 new member fee.

Why should leaders join?

Business owners and entrepreneurs join Toastmasters to improve their presentation skills and leadership skills and to network with other members who have similar interests and backgrounds. In addition, more than half of the 2021 Fortune 500 companies offer in-house Toastmasters clubs to help build and improve their employees’ communication, leadership, and public-speaking skills. Offering a corporate club to employees is an attractive and cost-effective way to grow and develop vital interpersonal skills in the workplace, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.
Joining Toastmasters helps people achieve their personal and professional goals by giving members the skills and confidence they need to effectively express themselves in any situation. Some of the benefits members report include:

  • Improved public-speaking skills and leadership skills
  • Working on networking in a small and supportive environment
  • Building self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Practicing writing speeches and presenting in a group setting
  • Gaining a competitive advantage in the workplace

Whether you are a tenured manager, a student, a young professional, someone looking to advance your career, or someone hoping to make an impact in your community, Toastmasters is the most efficient, supportive, enjoyable, and affordable way of gaining great communication skills.