From a press release:
Ninety years ago, when Toastmasters founder, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting in the basement of a YMCA in Santa Ana, Calif., USA, only a few people showed up. Now, with membership exceeding 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries, Toastmasters International continues to build on Dr. Smedley’s foundation of teaching public speaking and leadership skills.
Nick Taylor-D’Ambrosio, VP of Public Relations for the Asheville Toastmasters Club #436, joined Toastmasters to sharpen his skills as a public speaker. “People think about giving a speech and nailing it,” he said. “They put a lot of pressure on themselves. It’s not like that at our meetings. People are here to help each other. You determine how much pressure to put on yourself. We help you learn to prepare.”
Dr. Smedley said, “The unprepared speaker has the right to be afraid,” which is why Toastmasters teaches the art of preparation. Toastmasters clubs provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
“We’re all called upon to speak publicly,” Nick said. “Whether you’re a teacher, stand-up comic, or someone looking for a job that requires giving presentations, Toastmasters can help you. I like to call it a place that offers a dress rehearsal for any speech, from a best man toast to an ‘I miss you, dear’ eulogy.”
Weekly meetings are held every Thursday, 6:15 pm on the second floor of the YMI Cultural Center, 39 South Market Street, in downtown Asheville. Meetings are always free to the public. For more information, visit www.ashevilletoastmasters.com.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about Asheville Toastmasters Club #436, visit www.ashevilletoastmasters.com. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.
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