History of Toastmasters
Who founded Toastmasters International?
Dr. Ralph C. Smedley
What is one way to manage nervousness before speaking?
Take deep breaths to calm yourself.
As a leader, how can expressing gratitude strengthen your relationship with your team?
Fact: A 2018 Gallup poll found that employees who feel appreciated by their leaders are 63% more likely to stay at their job.
If you could express gratitude for one program or solution that addresses homelessness, what would it be and why?
Fact: On a single night in 2022, more than 580,000 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness (HUD).
What’s your favorite form of communication, and how has Toastmasters helped you improve it?
Fact: The average person spends about 70% of their waking hours communicating in some form (listening, speaking, reading, or writing).
In what year was Toastmasters International established?
1924
How can using pauses in speech improve communication?
Pauses give the audience time to absorb information and can emphasize key points.
Share a time when stepping out of your comfort zone helped you grow as a person or leader.
Fact: Research indicates that gratitude is a key trait of effective leaders, fostering trust and collaboration within teams.
How can practicing gratitude inspire individuals or organizations to help those struggling with food insecurity?
Fact: Over 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the U.S. are food insecure (USDA, 2022).
How many words does the average person speak daily?
Approximately 7,000 words.
What is the mission of Toastmasters?
To empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
Name a powerful way to open a speech and grab the audience's attention.
Start with a question, a story, or a surprising fact.
Reflect on a personal or professional goal you achieved and the growth you experienced along the way. How did gratitude play a role in your journey?
Fact: Setting clear goals is a cornerstone of personal growth. Studies show that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.
How can gratitude help foster long-term partnerships or initiatives to tackle hunger at its root causes?
Fact: Hunger is not only about lack of food but also a result of poverty, lack of affordable housing, and systemic inequalities.
What’s a surprising fact about body language?
Studies show that 55% of communication is through body language, meaning people often rely more on your gestures and expressions than on what you say!
How many countries have active Toastmasters clubs today?
Over 140 countries
How can vocal variety affect a speech’s impact?
It keeps the audience engaged and adds emotion to key points.
How can leaders use gratitude to inspire and empower their team during challenging times?
Fact: Research indicates that gratitude is a key trait of effective leaders, fostering trust and collaboration within teams.
Imagine you’re encouraging your community to donate or volunteer. What message of gratitude would you share to inspire action?
Fact: Every $1 donated to hunger relief organizations often provides several meals, thanks to food bank partnerships.
What’s the world’s most widely spoken language?
English, by number of speakers; Mandarin Chinese, by native speakers.
Where was the first Toastmasters club established?
Santa Ana, California (founders district) and the Gavaliers club is part of it.
What is the 3-part rule for structuring an effective speech?
Introduction, body, and conclusion.
Describe a leader who influenced your personal growth. How did their actions or expressions of gratitude shape your development?
Fact: Leadership expert John C. Maxwell states, "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." Great leaders often inspire personal growth in others.
If you were facing homelessness or hunger, how would receiving gratitude or kindness change your outlook on life?
Fact: Studies show that practicing gratitude improves mental health and can help people navigate challenging times.
What’s an amazing fact about the tone of voice in communication?
The tone of voice can account for 38% of how your message is received, so how you say something can be almost as important as what you say!