For 100 years now, an organization that helps people improve their public speaking skills has existed. Clarion Staff Writers Brent West and Kristine Gallagher have not only been members of Toastmasters International, but have held office and won awards.
There are more than 20 clubs in the Madison area. You can try one yourself.
A typical meeting follows essentially what is Robert’s Rules of Orders. If you’ve ever been part of student government, you’ll find this familiar.
The agenda is tight for a smooth-running meeting. Greeting, prepared speeches, impromptu speeches and evaluations is the basic template. Even as a guest you are allowed to speak during the impromptu speeches also called Table Topics.
Toastmasters International is a support group. It has been compared to the pricey Dale Carnegie public speaking course which runs for $6,000. Joining Toastmasters runs around $100 for an entire year with meetings twice a month, access to a computerized curriculum with modules that help you with every aspect of your speech as well as contests.
West is now pursuing a career as a public speaker. Jori Mundy is a professional public speaker with a TED Talk who joined Toastmasters after she was told during an interview “you can’t speak.” Gallagher, also known as “MOMic”, sought out Toastmasters to work on her comedy like Tim Allen did.
“I got more and better feedback in the first meeting of Toastmasters International than I did in a year and a half doing bar basement open mics!” said Gallagher.
Gallagher also has the notes her older brother used when he did Toastmasters during his MBA at the University of Michigan, Wharton School.
Public speaking is a skill. Because it’s a skill anyone can learn it.