Toastmasters Club: What Else Are You Wondering About?

In the first article of this series, you learned that the term "toastmaster" was commonly used a century ago - when the Toastmasters organization was founded - which explains the unusual name. You can view other points from that first article via this link: https://patch.com/illinois/plainfield/toastmasters-club-whats-all.

As with that first article, some answers are presented in a lighthearted manner.

What is the main purpose of Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. The organization's membership exceeds 358,000 in more than 16,800 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

Do Toastmasters use secret or complicated handshakes?

We do shake hands – quite often! Typical business-style handshakes are used as we move between roles at our meetings. Sorry . . . if you’re looking for a secret, clever, or complicated handshake, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Why is there so much clapping?

Encouragement before and acknowledgement afterward – those moments of applause are part of how we support our members (and guests who opt to speak). Toastmasters meetings have been described as an oasis of positivity in a world often filled with negativity.