Helping people find their voice.
How Toastmasters Works
Toastmasters is a membership‑based organisation. Members join a local club and attend regular meetings where they practise speaking, listening, and leadership skills. Learning is experiential: you grow by participating, receiving feedback, and supporting others.
Clubs follow a proven programme, but each has its own personality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced speaker, there’s a club and meeting format to suit your lifestyle.
Types of clubs
Community Clubs
Open to everyone over 18, these clubs meet regularly and are ideal for building confidence and connecting with people in your area and/or online.
Corporate Clubs
Hosted within organisations, corporate clubs help employees develop communication and leadership skills that directly benefit their workplace.
Advanced Clubs
Designed for experienced Toastmasters who want to refine their skills further. These clubs focus on advanced projects, in‑depth evaluations, and specialised speaking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens at a Toastmasters meeting? Meetings usually last 1–2 hours and include prepared speeches, impromptu speaking (Table Topics), and constructive evaluations. Members also take on roles such as Chairperson, Timekeeper, or Evaluator, which build leadership skills.
- Do I have to prepare speeches? Well, yes! Members learn through an experiential model based around our Pathway Programme. Basecamp is our Learning Management System, where members can progress along their chosen Pathway/s. A variety of projects support the development of members speaking skills including prepared speeches, leadership projects, impromptu speaking and evaluations. Most members will participate in each club meeting by being a prepared speaker, taking on a hosting or evaluating role or taking part in Table Topics. Members get the most out of their experience when they participate in full. Learn more about Pathways here Toastmasters International – Pathways Learning Experience
- Why do people join Toastmasters? People join to overcome fear of public speaking, to improve workplace communication, to prepare for presentations or interviews, to develop leadership skills, or simply to meet new people in a positive, supportive environment.
- Do I need prior experience? No. Toastmasters welcomes beginners, professionals, and experienced speakers alike.
- Is Toastmasters suitable for professionals? Yes. Many members use Toastmasters to enhance career prospects, improve presentation skills, and gain confidence in meetings or interviews.
- How much does it cost to join? Membership fees vary by club, depending on the total costs of club operations. Fees include membership to Toastmasters International, access to the Toastmasters learning programme and club activities. Total fees are agreed upon by club members. More details on how to join and fees can be found here Toastmasters International – How to Join
- Can I visit before joining? Absolutely. Guests are welcome to attend meetings free of charge. You can observe, participate in Table Topics if you wish, and get a feel for the club before deciding to join. Please note: some clubs may limit attendance due to capacity or special requirements, such as corporate clubs open only to employees. Information about when clubs meet and indication of any restrictions are published on the Toastmasters International website via Toastmasters International – Find a Club
- Is Toastmasters only about public speaking? No. Toastmasters also helps you develop leadership, mentoring, and organisational skills through club roles and projects. People also enjoy the opportunity to connect with others, network and being part of a community committed to personal and professional growth.
- Can anyone join Toastmasters? The main requirement of membership is being 18 years or over. Otherwise, anyone can apply to join a club. Our Toastmasters International – Youth Leadership Program is a way for our members to connect with Youth. Contact us to ask about Youth Leadership opportunities.
- Are meetings in person, hybrid, or online? Clubs meet in different formats:
- In‑Person Clubs: Traditional meetings held at local venues.
- Hybrid Clubs: A mix of in‑person and online participation, offering flexibility.
- Online Clubs: Fully virtual meetings accessible from anywhere in the world.