Toastmasters International…
is a worldwide non profit educational organization for the purpose of helping its members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. TI's mission is to foster self-confidence and growth in its members. There are more than 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in over 113 countries. Members of TI belong to local clubs such as our Wessex Speakers Club.
Our Wessex Speakers club adopts a "learn-by-doing" approach. We have approximately 30 members, and meet at 7:30pm, every SECOND and FOURTH Wednesday each Month, to learn and practice public speaking techniques. The Toastmasters Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership Manuals are the heart of the TI educational program.
The Competent Communicator Manual - consists of ten speech projects, each building upon the other in skills and difficulty. For each project, the member will prepare and deliver a speech in front of the group. After the member has given the presentation, all the members write a minutes feedback on a slip on paper. Later in the evening the speech is given a 3 minute appraisal from a more experienced member of the club. The whole aim is to give positive feedback with some constructive recommendations on how to improve the speech. The whole atmosphere is supportive and positive.