Toastmasters International 100th Anniversary Day (PDF)
Toastmasters was started by a Christian named Ralph Smedley who worked for the Santa Ana, California YMCA. His aim was to help people be comfortable in public speaking and learn how to run effective meetings.
In Memory of Ralph Smedley (from Toastmasters.org website)
This proclamation was from the St Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III, who is a gifted speaker. You might disagree about his politics, but he is a good speaker. Often times people who can speak well are thought to be great leaders.
Another great leader who can articulate his beliefs is Rep Walter Hudson. He doesn’t speak in slogans like, “Make Minnesota Red,” he actually spells out Conservative Republican beliefs, and can defend them with words.
There are a lot really great leaders out there, but they are not very comfortable in public speaking, or giving short answers to questions unknown. In Toastmasters, you learn how to give prepared speeches. You practice impromptu speaking in what they call, “Table Topics.” Speakers also get positive feedback in what they did well in a speech, or a meeting leadership role and given some observations on how they can improve in future opportunities.
I, Publius Jr, have been a Toastmaster since April 2, 2007. Currently I’m an Area Director in District 106 Toastmasters. I oversee 4 clubs to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to be doing, and provide assistance when a club needs help. I sought this proclamation from Mayor Melvin Carter III. It wasn’t for me, but for the Toastmaster Members who live in the area or attend a club here via Zoom.
If you want to improve your public speaking, leadership abilities please go to Toastmasters.org and click on “Find a Club.” You can check out events on the calendar at the District 106 website d106tm.org.
I tried to start up a Republican Club through the State Party, and while Chair Tony Sutton was sold on the idea his staff wasn’t. They thought they had to do the work, and they didn’t know members run the club, and it’s dues driven. Toastmasters clubs are supposed to be nonpartisan first, so I’ve decided to start up a Conservative Membership Only club called Republic Club Toastmasters. Currently we are not chartered and we meet Saturdays on Zoom from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. When we can get to 20 members we can charter. It will be not affiliated with any political party, so that we can host a debate in the future. Also a future effort will be to do what’s called, “Speechcraft,” for non-Toastmasters members, specifically Candidates for office.
Toastmasters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. They are not associated with this website. Though there might be members who are Republican, or Conservative. I posted this article because many candidates, and sitting legislators need to practice being better speakers to articulate our beliefs. Also there are leaders out there that do not know how to run an efficient and effective meeting and get out on time. Toastmasters can help them. ~~ Publius Jr.