Frequently Asked Questions:

About the Toastmasters Organization

Where did Toastmasters come from?
Toastmasters was founded in 1924 by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley in Santa Ana, California for the purpose of improving in the areas of public speaking and presiding over meetings, all with the spirit of fellowship. From there, other clubs were formed and a decade later the organization became international with the founding of a club in British Columbia, Canada.
The organization has benefitted over three million men and women since its foundation. Source: Toastmasters International Website.

I heard people referred to as "governor," does it mean Toastmasters are involved in politics?
Yes and no. The term "governor" refers to positions of leadership within the Toastmasters organization. The leaders of the Districts, Divisions, and Areas are referred to as Governors. The individuals who serve as Governors do so on a voluntary basis (i.e. they are not paid for their service) and are elected to their positions at the Division level and above (see the next question or click here to see the Toastmasters structure). To make the process more interesting and challenging, and to ensure only the most qualified individuals are elected, campaigning is encouraged. Therefore within the Toastmasters organization there is some politics involved. However the organization is not involved in politics outside the Toastmasters organization, such as with the government. Of course ask any Toastmaster and they will tell you that the majority of politicians desperately need the speaking skills taught in Toastmasters.

What do you mean by Area, Division and District?
Toastmasters International is broken down into smaller segments. The International organization is broken down into Regions. Gilbert Toastmasters is a part of Region 10, which includes much of the US southwest and Mexico. Regions are broken down into Districts. Gilbert is a part of District 3, which essentially is the state of Arizona. Districts are broken down into Divisions. Gilbert is a part of Gila Division, which primarily includes the southeast valley area. Divisions are broken down into Areas. Gilbert is a part of Area G5, which includes Gilbert and parts of Mesa.

What do the acronyms mean? (Examples: CTM, ATM, DTM, CL, AL, TI, TLI, CC, AC, etc)
Please click here for the answer to this question.

Are children allowed in Toastmasters Clubs?
Toastmasters Clubs have a minimum age requirement of eighteen years for membership. They may visit on occasion if they do not disrupt the meeting.

I represent _______ company and would like to present a sales pitch/workshop to your club members. Can I do this?
Gilbert Toastmasters' weekly speaking slots are strictly reserved for club members and pre-arranged speaker-swapping with members of other Toastmasters clubs. However if you are interested in acquiring better speaking skills for yourself and subsequently for your sales pitch, we'd love to have you become a member.

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