Toastmasters: Still Wondering What That's All 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/pla...

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 300,000 in more than 15,800 clubs in 149 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. And, we're ready to help YOU!

Why is there so much clapping and "jazz hands" waving?

Encouragement before and acknowledgement after – 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.

Why "jazz hands"? The audio of multiple people clapping on-line tends to become unpleasant and choppy noise - so our virtual participants wave with a "jazz hands" motion as their applause alternative. Positivity abounds at a Toastmasters meeting!

Join us during your lunch hour on April 19 to learn more - check the Calendar of Events for our Spring Open House: https://patch.com/illinois/pla...

Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org/

Bridge Builders: https://bridgebuilderstoastmas...