In October 1924, a group of men assembled by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley met in the basement of the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, U.S.A., forming a club “to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members.” The group took the name “Toastmasters.” We are a local chapter of Toastmasters International.

Today, Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization which gives its members the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking abilities through local club meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Toastmasters International includes more than 199,000 men and women in more than 9,300 clubs in more than 70 countries.

Experienced professionals and beginning speakers alike can benefit from our practical, face-to-face learning program. Whether you're speaking to the board of directors, your customers, your co-workers or your kids, Toastmasters can help you do it better. You'll learn and practice in a friendly, comfortable environment with people who are there for the same reason you are—to become better communicators.

At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a week for about an hour. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, and offering constructive evaluation.

I joined Toastmasters in July 2008 to improve my public speaking skills and help me in my quest to join the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB).

I had applied to the MFB a couple of times before and found the selection process involved some impromptu speaking in front of an audience.  This was something I was not comfortable doing and as a result I found my lack of skills in this area let me down and subsequently I failed in those applications.

 

In the past year I have gained confidence and leadership skills through attending Toastmasters meetings and now I am much more comfortable speaking in front of an audience.

 

Using the skills I have learned at Toastmasters I was able to re apply for the M.F.B and my successful application this year has me placed on a recruit course commencing mid-August.

 

The members at Diamond Valley Toastmasters are welcoming and full of encouragement. They will help you overcome any fears you have about public speaking in a friendly and fun atmosphere.

 

I cannot speak highly enough of the Diamond Valley Toastmasters Club and the benefits  the Toastmasters organization can offer.  I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to gain confidence and looking to improve their public speaking skills.

Rowan.

Club Room is the cream building rear of Carpark

Postal Address

Telephone: Val & Greg on 9434 1310

Email: