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In 1924, a director of education at the YMCA conducted the first official meeting of what would go on to become arguably the most impactful learning club in human history.
A thread on how the club used community, as much as education, to remain relevant for 100 years.
A thread on how the club used community, as much as education, to remain relevant for 100 years.
Some history:
The first “unofficial” Toastmasters meeting was held in 1905 in Illinois.
It was organized by Ralph Smedley as a series of speaking meetups.
Smedley wanted to help train young men who struggled in the art of public speaking.
The first “unofficial” Toastmasters meeting was held in 1905 in Illinois.
It was organized by Ralph Smedley as a series of speaking meetups.
Smedley wanted to help train young men who struggled in the art of public speaking.
Why Public Speaking?
Glossophobia (the fear of public speaking) is extremely common. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 75% of people experience some form of anxiety before giving a public speech.
It is the most common phobia AHEAD OF death, spiders, or heights.
Glossophobia (the fear of public speaking) is extremely common. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 75% of people experience some form of anxiety before giving a public speech.
It is the most common phobia AHEAD OF death, spiders, or heights.
Fast forward to 1924, in a basement in Santa Ana CA, where Smedley officially introduced Toastmasters + organized the club that eventually became Club No. 1
Word spread like wildfire about the teaching experiment and by 1930 nearly 30 clubs had formed including a club in Canada.
Word spread like wildfire about the teaching experiment and by 1930 nearly 30 clubs had formed including a club in Canada.
Smedley was ahead of his time setting the tone early on how meetings would operate. He was known for avoiding the oratorical style of the previous century and for keeping meetings simple.
He invested in building community, from Day 1.
@gregisenberg https://twitter.com/gregisenberg/status/1335233547595116547?s=20
He invested in building community, from Day 1.
@gregisenberg https://twitter.com/gregisenberg/status/1335233547595116547?s=20
Smedley gave his community a memorable name: Toastmasters.
“Toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts + introduced the speakers at a banquet.
More commonly known today as the MC.
“Toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts + introduced the speakers at a banquet.
More commonly known today as the MC.
Smedley created rules. In 1926 he wrote the Ten Lessons in Public Speaking, and the Manual of Instruction.
Known later as The Club Management Handbook.
@burningman is a model for this with its 10 Principles. The principals reflect the community’s ethos regardless of local.
Known later as The Club Management Handbook.
@burningman is a model for this with its 10 Principles. The principals reflect the community’s ethos regardless of local.
Smedley created shareable moments. In 1933 the first Toastmaster magazine was published.
It highlighted:
- Community and Club accomplishments.
- Where and when clubs meet.
- The Critique Sheet.
- The Famous 15 Points
It highlighted:
- Community and Club accomplishments.
- Where and when clubs meet.
- The Critique Sheet.
- The Famous 15 Points
Smedley provided a space that people craved by creating the "blueprint to the house", but allowed each club to decorate the 4 walls themselves.
Giving each club the opportunity to dictate their own culture is what enabled TM to attract different types of members over the years.
Giving each club the opportunity to dictate their own culture is what enabled TM to attract different types of members over the years.
Smedley was nothing if not sincere. The hallmark of Toastmasters was making things fun.
“We can have the best education in the world but if you're not coming back, it's of no use.”
@david_perell @will_mannon have mastered this balance with their Write of Passage community.
“We can have the best education in the world but if you're not coming back, it's of no use.”
@david_perell @will_mannon have mastered this balance with their Write of Passage community.
Today there are currently more than 360k+ paying Toastmaster members around the world.
TM by the numbers:
145 countries
16k+ clubs
One in three members volunteer for the organization.
54 / 46 percent male female split.
> 50% membership retention.
TM by the numbers:
145 countries 16k+ clubs One in three members volunteer for the organization. 54 / 46 percent male female split. > 50% membership retention.
Alumni of Toastmasters include astronauts, professional athletes, TV hosts, governors, and a former Miss America.
Smedley was also known for helping US President FDR.
The impact: Roosevelt was famous for being able to make each listener feel as if they were an audience of one.
Smedley was also known for helping US President FDR.
The impact: Roosevelt was famous for being able to make each listener feel as if they were an audience of one.
If you’re interested in learning more about @Toastmasters or want to find a community club in your neighborhood, see here: http://toastmasters.org
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If you liked what you read, please give me a follow, hit RT, and subscribe to the newsletter: http://infinitelearner.substack.com
