Toastmasters Beginning
October is an exciting month. It was 100 years ago on October 22, 1924, when Dr. Ralph Smedley founded Toastmasters. Dr. Smedley had a vision and an idea to start an organization that would help young men become better speakers and leaders. It is amazing that this wonderful organization was started in the basement of the Santa Ana, California YMCA. I wonder if Dr. Ralph Smedley knew that this organization would change millions of people’s lives.
What is amazing is that Toastmasters International has 15,800 clubs with 300,000 members in 149 countries. I can honestly say that Toastmasters has changed my life for the better. Every Toastmasters meeting I have been to and every event I have attended has helped me learn to become a better speaker and leader.
My Toastmasters Why
Every time I think I know everything about Toastmasters, I always learn something new. Not only do we have the opportunity to become a better speaker and leader, but we also have an opportunity to mentor and help others grow.
I remember going to my first Toastmasters meeting, and I didn’t know what to expect. I was amazed at how people from different cultures and backgrounds were able to get along. It didn’t matter what you did for a living or how much money you had; all that mattered was that you were there ready to serve and learn.
I joined Toastmasters because I felt that I could really grow. I felt that these people were more than just friends; they were my family. I started to go to Toastmasters meetings, and I started to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I felt more confident being a speaker and leader.
To this day, I still enjoy going to meetings and learning about other people. I’m always amazed by the people who come to Toastmasters meetings. I’m always amazed by the evaluations that I get in Toastmasters. The evaluations that I have received in Toastmasters have been very helpful, and every evaluation I have received has helped me become a better speaker.
I’m often asked what Toastmasters is, and I always tell people the same thing. Toastmasters is a place to speak, to lead, and to help.
Become a better Speaker with Toastmasters
When I think of speaking, I think of my friend Barry. I was amazed that he was willing to speak anywhere, anytime, or anyplace. I had the honor of serving with Barry as Area Director. What was amazing, he once told another Toastmaster that you can give 100 speeches using the same topic. Barry felt that you should use one speech and keep improving on it. I didn’t personally agree, but it was the fact that he enjoyed speaking, and he believed that you could give a perfect speech. Barry died in 2020, but I will never forget his passion for speaking.
Become a better Leader with Toastmasters
When I think of leadership, I think of one of my mentors, Dayna. She taught me the importance of doing things the right way, and she instilled in me the importance of following the Toastmasters program. Dayna wanted to get her Distinguished Toastmaster award, and she was close. Unfortunately, she passed away before she could reach this milestone. After she passed away, I was determined to get my DTM. It took me two years, but I was able to get my first DTM. When I received my award at the conference, all I could think about was her. I believe that if Dayna had been here, she would have been proud of me.
Giving Back
Giving BackWhen I think of helping, I think of my dear friend Gail Skinner. The first time I met Gail, we competed in a Tall Tales contest. I was able to beat her and get first place, and she got second. What was amazing is that we became friends, and after a while, I joined her club. We both became president and VP of Education. If I needed help with anything, she was always there for me. She was the heart and soul of the club, and in fact, we were keeping the club going.
Gail loved life, and she loved Toastmasters. She was always willing to serve and she was always willing to help. She loved Toastmasters and she loved life. In February 2023, Gail passed away. I knew that we had lost a good Toastmaster and a wonderful person. The club was not the same without her and eventually disbanded. I will remember the talks we had, and how she helped me become a better person.
Celebrating 100 Years
As Toastmasters International celebrates its 100th anniversary, I am confident that it will continue to inspire and empower people for generations to come. It’s a place where dreams take flight, and where individuals discover their full potential.
Randy Casarez
Blog Editor & Media Coordinator
View other blogs: https://aztoastmasters.org/blog/
More Information about achieving a DTM: https://toastmasters.org/Magazine/Magazine%20Issues/2022/Nov/Path%20to%20DTM
