I started working for IBM in 1955. The thought of making presentations made me so nervous. Towards the close of the event, a large cake, colorfully decorated with the Toastmasters insignia was cut by Caravalho. Toastmasters is an organization devoted to helping people speak more effectively. Toastmasters International's business and services are administered by its world headquarters, located in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Toastmasters employs no paid promoters or instructors.
At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a week for about an hour. Upon joining a Toastmasters club, each new member is given a variety of manuals and resources on speaking. Members also have access to other books as well as audio and video-cassettes on speaking and leading. Additionally, they receive The Toastmaster, a monthly magazine that offers the latest insights on speaking and leadership techniques.