Toastmasters is a training and educational distributed organisation which provides its members with learning opportunities to improve communication, leadership training and management skills, whilst building their self confidence.

Has Toastmasters been around long?

What will I learn in my first Toastmaster's meeting?!

• How to listen and effectively evaluate what you hear.
• How to give a prepared speech.
• How to give a structured impromptu (off-the-cuff) response.
• How to utilise parliamentary procedures in a formal meeting session.
• How to effectively chair a meeting.
• How to provide structured evaluation to peers and respected colleagues.

How long does it take?

The club is there for your benefit to gain experience and skills so as to become a competent speaker. There are goals along the way to chart the course. Your skills develop organically. As you proceed you will find that situations that once challenged you, now hold no fears.

How much does it cost?

There is a twice yearly (semi-annual) AU$75 fee. Normally these are paid in March (to cover April - September); or September (to cover October to April of the next year).

This fee covers membership of Toastmasters International and the ongoing costs of the club. Depending on the month you start, membership is calculated at a pro-rata rate of AU$12.50 per month

NOTE: Starting in April 2006, there will also be a once off AU$25 fee for all new members which pays for your new member kit.

Toastmasters International fees are often claimable back on tax for non-IBM Employees.

IBM Managers and sponsors should note the low out of budget costs and the high value of continuous practice afforded by this convenient and well regarded organisation. The following are just a few of the real business benefits:

1. Travel Time = Nil resulting in no loss of daytime productivity.
2. Cost = 75c per day available via the generous donation of Mentoring time from colleagues.
3. Easy Progress tracking via Documented results from evaluated speeches.
4. IDP aligned timeframes with initial course completion within 12 months.

Cumberland Forest Toastmasters is an IBM sponsored Club. IBM supports us by allowing us to use meeting rooms and facilities. IBM staff, if you have Toastmasters approved as part of your Individual Development Plan then you can also claim the cost of fees to "Education - Non GST" in IBM World Wide Expense Reimbursement (WWER) tool subject to management approval and/or any current expense restrictions. This is because IBM recognises the skills you learn at Toastmasters directly benefit your goals at IBM.

For more information contact the Vice President of Education or Vice President of Membership.

The names "Toastmasters International," "Toastmasters," and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks protected in the United States, Canada, and other countries where Toastmasters Clubs exist. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The information on this web site is for the sole use of Toastmasters' members, for Toastmaster business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters' materials or information.