Toastmasters International

Several people have asked me about practicing English, and I wanted to share a great resource - Toastmasters International.

http://reports.toastmasters.org/findaclub/

Toastmasters is a club that usually meets once a week at varying times of day based on the club. The dues are about $6 a month plus materials in the $10-$20 range, and the experience is excellent.

The meeting is based on three parts:

1. Prepared speeches for 5-7 minutes

2. Evaluations of the speeches for 2-3 minutes

3. Table Topics, Impromptu Speaking on a random topic for 1-2 minutes.

Upon joining the club, you will start down the path of "Competent Toastmaster" or CTM, which is completing the first 10 speeches. Each speech has a specific goal such as: organization, vocal variety, using props, or practicing gestures. You can speak about any topic you like, excluding religion, politics, and sex.

For anyone who has English as a second language, its a great place to practice listening and speaking English in a warm, safe, and positive environment.

Over the course of four years, I gave at least 30 prepared speeches, 75 evaluations, and 100 table topics. The bi-yearly contests let me practice speaking to new audiences including more than 300 people, when I went to the state-wide competition.

Great public speaking skills are useful everyday and lead to a deeper self-confidence that makes for a happier life. I highly recommend it!