TOASTMASTERS DISTRICT 119
Manhattan South of 34th St., Brooklyn, Queens & Long Island
Personal & Professional Development
Whether you want to improve your public speaking, strengthen your leadership skills, or become more confident in everyday communication, Toastmasters is the place to start.
What is Toastmasters
Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit organization that empowers individuals to become exceptional communicators and influential leaders. Since its founding in 1924, it has changed millions of lives by helping people discover their voice and achieve their ambitions.
Members:
Build Public Speaking Confidence
Grow as a Leader
Connect with a Global Community
Learn at Your Own Pace
Why Join to Toastmasters
Here are some interesting facts about Toastmasters :
🌍 Global Reach: Toastmasters has over 16,800 clubs in 143 countries.
👥 Membership: More than 280,000 members worldwide.
📚 Education Program: The Pathways learning experience offers 11 different paths to develop communication and leadership skills.
🔄 Self-Paced Learning: Members progress through the program at their own pace.
🌱 Personal Growth: Many members credit Toastmasters with transforming their confidence, careers, and communication skills.
What to Expect at a Toastmasters Meeting
- Prepared Speeches – Members deliver speeches they’ve written and practiced in advance, often as part of a learning path (see Pathways below).
- Table Topics – An impromptu speaking segment where members (and sometimes guests!) are asked to speak for 1–2 minutes on a surprise topic. Great for thinking on your feet.
- Evaluations – Each speaker receives feedback from a fellow member who helps identify strengths and areas for improvement in a supportive way.
- Timer, Ah-Counter & Grammarian Roles – Members take on supportive roles to help speakers improve timing, reduce filler words, and improve grammar and vocabulary.
Your First Meeting:
What to Do
Show up early – Introduce yourself to the members.
Observe – You’re not required to speak on your first time.
Ask questions – Members are happy to help new guests.
Enjoy – Toastmasters meetings are welcoming and uplifting.
Benefits
Boosts confidence in public speaking
Sharpens impromptu thinking
Improves leadership and team skills
Helps with career advancement and personal growth
Join Our Community
Toastmasters is not a class — it’s a community of learners. Everyone starts somewhere, and even the most polished speakers were once nervous beginners. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and have fun.