Should you Join Toastmasters International: The pros and cons of public speaking clubs.

The best practical advice for any public speaker is: Practice in public. One of the best forums to do this in is Toastmasters International, but is joining worthwhile?

In this week’s Lead Loud, Rich Mulholland explores what he likes and dislikes, pros and cons about the professional speaking organization Toastmasters, and why you should or shouldn’t join one of these presentation clubs as an upcoming professional speaker. (You totally should, though).

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LINKS:

Toastmaster Champions: (Watch these, they're worth it)

Connect with me:

[anitahouse]

have to agree. I was in Toastmasters for 2 years. Loved it. The biggest benefit for me...I got rid of the ugh and umms. And I gained confidence to speak in front of groups. Love it!

[cheshirepat]

I just joined. I’ve already presented my ice breaker. I love it so far. I’m really excited to continue.

[ronaldabvajee]

Dinner party you… thats great. I have found that authenticity is a secret weapon in delivering the craft of public speaking. The Story to Stage” programme was one of the best investments into me has helped me sharpen the sword of the craft of public speaking.

[beverleydormer]

I feel like I do this irrespective! I'm literally always over·wrought! Crying laughing with this, and as always super insightful. Great video, Rich!

[immank]

Great, this is an honest review of TM

[daniellabalona]

Hands up who wants to see 'Toastmaster Rich' ✋🏻🤣

[RichMulholland]

Checkout Missing Link's Story to Stage Program (msnglnk.com/story-to-stage) and presentation training series Boredom Slayers ).

[LlewellynKriel]

As the first South African - in fact, first African - ever to reach & compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking in 1988, I can attest to the validity of much of what you say. TI still runs the danger of becoming frighteningly formulaic & terribly trite.

It's also a tad worrying that only motivational speeches ever seem to make it. Positive messages - yes, but depth, passion, insight, emotion, sadness - the mirror - is too often lacking in the overdose of "yes-you-canism".

So wow & thanks for some fresh insights & much-needed criticism. Keep shining the light, Rich.

[WordzThePoet]

lol Ive known Ramona Smith for like 20 years she’s a great person

[vidaconexcelencias]

It is a gym where you practice and polish. Also do things you will never do before. Just to understand that you can do it.

[ArthurCharlez]

Have you considered creating something like Toastmasters? I remember listening to you at Netprophet in 2011 and that talk changed the way I present to this day. I quit conference speaking in 2012 and kinda resurfaced this year after almost 2 years of doing very little. And the first thing I noticed was that most speakers still write Powerpoint dissertations. There is a dire need for what you offer on the conference speaking circuit.
But seriously. If you ever think of modeling what Toastmasters is doing for South African speakers. I'd love to run the Durban chapter.

[featheredserpentofthewest]

Yes they sounded very artificial and over the top.