Toastmasters International

What is Toastmasters?

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Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

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The principal place of business of Toastmasters International is World Headquarters, located in Englewood, Colorado. Toastmasters International employs more than 150 professionals at World Headquarters. Led by Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex, the staff is committed to providing assistance and support in the forms of high-quality products and programs to Toastmasters clubs, areas, districts and regions, while also serving the individual member in their efforts to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Picture: Founder of Toastmasters International - Ralph C. Smedley

A Brief History

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Toastmasters began as a series of speaking clubs organized by Ralph C. Smedley in 1924. The first meeting was held at the YMCA building on October 22, 1924. By 1930, nearly 30 Toastmasters clubs had formed including a club in British Columbia, Canada. To reflect expansion outside of the United States, the newly formed association was re-named Toastmasters International.

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Ralph C. Smedley died in 1965. In 1970, Toastmasters International admitted its first female member, Helen Blanchard, under the name Homer Blanchard. In 1973, Toastmasters began officially admitting women, and in 1985, Helen became Toastmasters' first female international president.

Picture on the left: N.V Raghavan Menon, DTM, our founder President at the World Headquarters in Colorado.

Why join Toastmasters?

For more information on Toastmasters International, visit www.toastmasters.org

About KEF Toastmasters

Picture: 9th Anniversary celebration of KEFToastmasters held at Radisson Blu, Qatar on 23-Nov-2019.

"A DECADE IN ACTION, INSPIRING MANY"

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A Brief History

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An idea to form a Toastmasters club was suggested by the then Area 18 Governor, Raghavan Menon, DTM at a family get-together of the Keralite Engineers Forum (KEF) at the Qatar Bowling Centre in 2010. Both the KEF Chairman Er. Mibu Jose & General Secretary Er. Sajeet George readily accepted and decided to circulate more details about Toastmasters to all members. A demo meeting was arranged and held at the Mumbai Hall of the Indian Cultural Centre on September 30, 2010. First Executive Committee was formed on that day.

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First Executive Committee Members were:

Founder President: Raghavan Menon, DTM

VP Education: Najeeb Abdul Jaleel

VP Membership: Ashok Unnikrishnan

VP Public Relations: Titus Kannan

Secretary: Jacob Thomas

Treasurer: Bijith Biju Sadan, DTM

Sergeant-at-Arms: Abdul Wahid Ismail

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KEF Toastmasters was chartered on November 01, 2010. Started off with a Speechcraft program for the members. With the rising request for starting a Gavel Club for their children, KEF Gavel Club was chartered within a month. Though initial meetings were held at ICC, within a month we moved to the Indian Club. Both Toastmasters & Gavel Club started meeting on the second & fourth Mondays.

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KEF Toastmasters has come a long way. Since its inception, KEF Toastmasters has made its presence in the Area, Division and District as a leading club. Our club has produced many champion speakers and made many leaders including 5 Area Directors, 2 Division Directors and one District Director.

A club, truly “Where Leaders are Made”.

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The Achievements of an organization are the net results of the combined efforts of all its individual members.

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"Happy 10th Anniversary to all Past and Present members of KEF Toastmasters."

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10 years of Togetherness, Unity, Celebrations. Moments of Enjoyment, Memories, Awards, Recognition, Entertainment, Creativity, Better communication, Better Leadership, Helping each other. Let the legacy continue for years to come.

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01-November, 2020 marked the 10th anniversary of KEF Toastmasters. A day of pride for all KEF members.

Toastmasters International Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

District Mission

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Club Mission

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Toastmasters International Core Values

• Integrity

• Respect

• Service

• Excellence

Toastmasters International Envisioned Future

To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.

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Tagline

Where Leaders are Made

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Brand Promise

Empowering Individuals through personal and professional development.

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KEF Toastmasters Club Mission

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We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

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A Toastmaster's Promise

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As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise

• To attend club meetings regularly

• To prepare all of my projects to the best of my ability, basing them on the Toastmasters education program

• To prepare for and fulfil meeting assignments

• To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations

• To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow

• To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so

• To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy

• To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers

• To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters education and recognition programs

• To act within Toastmasters’ core values during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities