Toastmasters International celebrated its 90th birthday last month.
The organisation was formed in California in 1922 by a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Mr Ralph Smedley.
The purpose of the group was to enhance the communication and leadership skills of the youth at the time.
Old Boy of Jeppe High School for Boys and a Kensington resident, and the president of the EGoli Golden City Toastmasters, Mr Micheal Coyle said the club was started with 20 members.
He added that it has grown substantially since then.
In South Africa, the first club was formed in 1950.
Mr Coyle said that though the manuals of the club have evolved since its inception, the mandate is still the same.
“It is still a place where one learns to communicate, improve communication skills and public speaking. You learn to analyse your audience and your subordinates. Here, one learns to interact with the people around you,” he said.
Mr Coyle said the Toastmasters Club caters for all ages.
“We have programmes for school-going boys. Though one has to be 18 years old to officially join the club, we have programmes for them. We go to different schools in our area. This helps the pupils to be the best leaders in their level. In our club we have different professions and levels of employment. With the projects one is tasked with in the club, you learn to lead and to be led and excel in your field,” he said.
He said that there are always mentors ready to help at all levels of leadership in the club.
“Before taking the task, one completes a test. After the task, you take another test to see how you did during the project or task. This helps you see where you need to improve. There is always support when needed. There is always guidance,” he said.
Mr Coyle added that there is a lot of training offered to the club members.
“As now life is now more dependant on online, most of our training is there. This is to allow flexibility to all participants,” he said.
Those who want to join can contact their local club or log onto www.toasmasters74.org
Mr Coyle is also the club’s division governor.
“I visit clubs in and around Johannesburg East, Swaziland and Zambia. I go there to help members succeed,” he said.
