SOUTHERN OREGON SPEECHMASTERS – JULY 2024
by: Craig Fronek, VP of PR
Our local Toastmaster club, Southern Oregon Speechmasters, has begun its celebration of Toastmasters International 100-year anniversary. In case you don’t know, Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, Toastmasters is now headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 280,000 members in more than 15,800 clubs in 149 countries.
Locally in Medford, Southern Oregon Speechmasters Club 5840, was chartered in March of 1991. Current club president Michael Wilson states “practicing weekly on speaking, listening and presenting has opened opportunities for me that I never thought of. Many of our members have increased their livelihood with the skills developed in weekly Toastmaster meetings. It is a fun atmosphere where there are no mistakes, only learning opportunities. Our motto is: Always a Verbal Adventure.”
Courtney Butterfield is a current member and was originally encouraged to attend by her employer as they offered to pay the yearly dues. “I was not sure what to expect in the beginning but have come to realize these skills I have learned are critical to my personal and professional growth. It has given me a competitive advantage within the workplace.” Southern Oregon Speechmasters meets in downtown Medford on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm; members can move at their own pace and can volunteer for different leadership roles. All these activities naturally develop skills and capabilities that can be used in both personal and business. We welcome guests free of charge; visit anytime!
Just over a century ago, Dr. Ralph Smedley had a vision of helping people learn communication and leadership skills in a positive and supportive environment. Smedley worked at a YMCA and realized men needed help to express themselves. Dr. Ralph Smedley started Toastmasters in 1924 in Santa Ana, CA. He named it Toastmasters because the format was like that of a banquet, with a leader chosen at each meeting to act as master of ceremonies and introduce the speakers. Membership grew fast and branched out nationally and then internationally. By 1965, Toastmasters had reached 50 countries; in 1973, Toastmasters opened up to women around the world. Now 149 countries have clubs established and over a quarter million people meet weekly to practice their skills.
Every year the World Speaking Championships are held during the Toastmaster’s International Convention. Competing is completely optional for members but brings a level of competence not found anywhere else. First, clubs compete locally, then advance to the Division level, then advance to the District level. Districts around the world send their winners to compete at the International Convention. District 7 encompasses most of Oregon, NW California and SW Washington. District 7 is the home of 2012 World Champion Ryan Avery.
Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education level, and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about Toastmasters, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Or, to view local club information visit: https://5840.toastmastersclubs.org/.
Follow @Toastmasters International on X(twitter); find us on Facebook; call or text 541.261.1025.
