DID YOU KNOW: Popular Public Speaking Organization Turns 90

Did you know that Toastmasters International was founded 9 0 years ago?

Yes. On October 22, 1924, Ralp C. Smedley held the first meeting in the basement of YMCA in Santa Ana, California. In 90 years, the Toastmasters public speaking organization has helped over 4 million people increase their confidence with public speaking and leadership. With Smedley’s vision, many of today’s top orators were created through Toastmasters, which has an estimated membership of 313,000.

Toastmasters International has 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Domestically or internationally, individuals who are in the organization rank at the top of many companies who seek employees with a desired level of communication and leadership skills. Some companies also offer corporate clubs to help develop the public skills of their staff.

Today, Toastmasters continues to grow at a significant rate. It’s current President Mohammed Murad insists that many new initiatives are underway, which include expansion of its corporate prescence and modernizing its education program.

For more information, visit Toastmasters 90th anniversary website and watch a brief 90th anniversary video and view photos of the world’s oldest Toastmasters club. Participate in the social conversation by using the hashtag #TI90years.