About Us
So what is Toastmasters all about? It is probably easier to start by telling you what we aren't.
- We don't make toasters
- We don't make toast (although a cheese and pickle toastie is always welcome!)
- In general, we don't preside over wedding receptions whilst wearing red coats (although a few of our members have been known to do this occasionally)
From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has almost 300,000 members located in 122 countries across the world. Toastmasters first came to the UK in 1956 and there are now clubs in most parts of the country.
Woking Speakers was founded in 2006 and our meetings have been held at various locations in the Woking area. We moved to our new home at the Woking United Reformed Church in 2013, close to Woking town centre.
Our members hail from many different backgrounds, but we all share the same goal - to improve our public speaking and leadership skills.
Most people contact us because they have a reason to become a better public speaker – for example a promotion, a wedding or a new career. What they find when they visit us is help with their public speaking skills and a lot more.
There are also opportunities to learn and practise leadership in a safe environment and your listening skills will also improve. This can and will impact every part of your life - for the better.
Finally, joining Woking Speakers Club will give you access to the wider Toastmasters community across the UK and the world.
Our meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people. We hold our meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared or impromptu speech to serving as a timer, evaluator or grammarian.
There is no instructor at our meetings; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by another member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.
We are even in the habit of holding external soirees for people who want to work on presentations for important events outside of the Toastmasters remit, such as:
- Best man speech
- Job interview speech
- New career presentation
- Important work presentation
If you have such a challenge facing you, get in touch with us now and see how we can help.
For more information on Toastmasters International please click here.