Join Toastmasters? Watch this before you decide!

Joining Toastmasters International can help you improve public speaking skills. But it’s not a great fit for everyone. In this video, you will learn the good, the bad and the ugly about joining a Toastmasters club.
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➡️ Resources mentioned in this video:
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⌚ Sections in this video (Join Toastmasters? Watch this before you decide!):
0:00 | What is Toastmasters?
1:12 | My experience in Toastmasters International
1:48 | 5 good things about Toastmasters International
3:55 | 5 bad things about a Toastmasters club
7:25 | The ugly part of Toastmasters International
8:23 | Bonus tip about Toastmasters clubs
9:02 | Improve your hybrid meetings
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[@johnnywalker4857]

Ok let's see, you said 'um' a couple of times (just kidding). Thanks for making this video. It was very informative. By sharing the good, the bad and the ugly, newcomers who watch this video will know what to expect going in.

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[@cirochoco]

I totally agree with all of your points about Toastmasters escp the downside. Thank you for your courage to bring up this topic.

Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanvaughan453]

Good video. You got a wide range of reactions to it, which is not surprising. I am an avid Toastmaster but I accept your points as areas the organization needs to improve. I am also a TM leader and have.begun to address these points and others. One point you only skipped around was the cookie-cutter speech evaluations that are still too common. But the positive side is that this problem, as with the others, is fixable. In my opinion, most of our problems are related to people taking guidelines and latching onto them too hard, as if they are laws. The speech evaluation problem is a perfect example. The guideline says the speaker is to listen to the feedback and hear it out. The reason for the guideline is a good one - feedback time is not to degenerate into an argument between speaker and evaluator. But if the speaker does not feel comfortable to ask clarifying questions about the feedback, for example, then three-way communication is lost and growth may be obstructed. Guidelines are just guidelines, nothing more. Good experiences come from members and clubs getting in tune with each other to offer a challenging experience, and leadership needs to stop checking off boxes and empower people to get after it. It can be done.

Oh yes, there is certainly hope! And each club can also decide how they want to design their evaluations.

[@DangerousWordsPodcast]

Well, he had me until he said that counting ums and ahs doesn’t help. I know for a fact it does because it helped me. I am.

Thanks for watching!

[@johnnyharbieh]

Great points man. Well thought out.

Thanks for watching!

[@Itravelbackintime]

I know this video is 3 years old which seems like an eternity on KZbin but I'm looking to start my own KZbin channel and perhaps future speaking gigs. I want to approach my speaking as if I'm doing a play on stage and get people laughing to get them engaged. I certainly don't want to be speaking another polished professor dishing out a boring lecture or the teacher who talks like a robot in Farris Bueller's Day Off pretending that every is listening. It ain't happening. However, I really do look foward to joining with a different approached to connecting with my audience in the future. Thanks Marcus for creating this video as I have been searching for info on Toastmasters. This was valuable. I just subsribed.

I'm sure you will enjoy it! But if you want even better training in audience engagement, try stand-up comedy!

[@hezekiahmorales3030]

Appreciate your video and comments as I am looking to join a club.

Thanks for watching!

[@eliaschevette]

Great video. I agree with you on most points. Toastmaster is such a great organization but as all organizations created in another era it needs to come in with the times. The problem is that the only people willing to go up to the international levels of leadership already drink the kool aid and are incapable of seeing the change needed. That's why I think the best work can be do at club level.

I've always said that the core product is the club meeting. All of the international stuff is extra. But so long as the club meeting experience is great, people will join and stay.

[@maipham6845]

Hi Markus. Thank you for your video. I especially agree with you regarding the um and ah counting. I don't want to call it non-sense but it actually made me feel insecure as a non-native English speaker (English is the language at our club) but I soon realised that English speakers use filler words all the time. I really hope ah-counter will soon be a thing in the past.

Last time I did the ah-counter role, I focused on distractions only. If the um or the ah was distracting, I highlighted it, otherwise not. Plus I included other distracting items like gestures of whether they looked into the camera.

[@dlight2669]

A couple other points... I asked before I came into this.. how was I to dress? I was just told casual they were just grateful that I was coming and they kind of keep it casual anyway. And if you really really really want to challenge yourself... take a speech class in a community college and you can continue on so there is speech 101 and then their speech 201 and speech 301 for people who want to keep public speaking more professional. So this last thought has giving me a great idea!! I'm sure there are online courses and KZbin vids on advanced public speaking.

There are many classes, of course. But the best way to get better at public speaking is to do public speaking.

[@dlight2669]

I just started in June 23. I think that the word of the day is not l relevant to our everyday speech , secondly, if someone evaluates.. they should offer helpful point or tip that would improve the speech. I'm grateful that the evaluator at my meeting did. then others asked questions, which was helpful because I could have included that information in my speech. It was my Ice Breaker speech. I guess it is just basically you make it be what it is. Candy similar to a volunteer at a nonprofit I could put in a lot of time and energy and the bucket is never full, always a lack of volunteers and the group is grassroots. I like the TM opportunity. I am a serious learner so I will put into this much effort, self discipline and gusto. Ty for sharing.

I'm sure you will enjoy the experience!

[@marthasalas437]

Very informative! I'm just visiting different clubs before deciding. Any tips?

No tips really. You'll feel the vibe and find one that fits!

[@parler8698]

Join the one you like. Don't rush. Try before you buy.

[@PeteChatteris]

The filler word counter has a huge effect. I've seen people improve drastically in that regard. You're spot on about the brand. It is way way too American conservative. Here in New Zealand, the brand is rather different!

I think it was in Australia, too, where I was a member for a few months.

[@josephstulec8247]

Great video

Thanks for watching!

[@solaranthony]

Don’t do a speech do a talk I love that. Great speech 🎤 thanks

Thanks for watching!

[@FlowriderGuy]

I must respectfully disagree with your criticism of Toastmasters. Your experience seems to reflect significant improvement, particularly with the reduction of filler words in your speeches, demonstrating the effectiveness of counting filler words. Awareness and regular practice are key elements in this progress, and I've observed many members make substantial improvements in this area. It's important to remember that evaluations reflect the personal viewpoints of the evaluators. However, this personal insight can often be invaluable, and even members new to Toastmasters can offer constructive feedback. If you're seeking more rigorous critique, I'd suggest requesting an in-depth review from an experienced Toastmaster or joining an Advanced club for more challenging evaluations. Participation in club leadership roles, while not mandatory, offers a golden opportunity to enhance your leadership abilities. These experiences are optional but can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial for personal growth. Watching a keynote speaker in a suit is much more impressive than someone in an old worn-out t-shirt.

Toastmasters can certainly help a lot of people. The leadership roles are a great shortcut to more stage time!

[@davidconradlinus7078]

To the point Markus

Thanks for watching!

[@terrifictomm]

Your critique is valid. However, I also think you're expecting more from your fellow Toastmasters than you have any right to. After all, did you practice what you want everyone else to do? Did you give hard-hitting evaluations? I have. I've been a Toastmasters for 15 years and there are members of my club who founded the club 45 years ago! Others joined around the time I did. When I'm evaluating sometime like Mark K., a probate attorney, I ask him before hand if he wants a "sandwich" evaluation: one negative sandwiched between two positives. Or does he want a serious evaluation that may challenge him?" I've never had a speaker ask me to blow smoke. But I would never do that to a newbie or someone still struggling, no matter how long they have been a member. It sounds to me like you're looking for a coach. Those cost money and that's not Toastmasters. We are a volunteer organization and nobody is getting paid!

Thanks for watching!

[@juliehayden123]

I spoke to a vice president of a Spanish speaking toastmasters group and he made a lot of errors. He was offended when I tried to correct him….didnt know the difference between caer and callar

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@aniketsharma5912]

hey, I am 18 . Can I join Toastmasters club? I mean is there any restrictions? BTW great content 👍👍

Yes, the minimum age is 18 in general. Check out a local club and see if you like it!

[@sdemockinterview322]

I have a quick quesiton, English is not my first language and kind of struggle with fluent conversation. What do you think - People like me should join a toastmaster or not?

English is my third language. However, my recommendation is that Toastmasters is not a place to learn English. There are probably clubs in your local language that could be a better fit if you're not fluent.

[@petermccready531]

Fantastic environment to learn how to say no! :)

That's one of the most important skills!

[@petermccready531]

@ :)

[@terrifictomm]

You're mistaken if you think no one cares about your title as DTM. Friends, strangers, and co-workers will be impressed when they learn of your achievement. Maybe never again, but they will see you as someone capable of achieving something. Even if they aren't sure what it entailed. Also, your employer will be impressed when he gets that letter from Toastmasters, International, informing them of your achievement. This surprised me! I went up more than just a little in the president's eyes when he mentioned to me, in front of everyone, my achievement in Toastmasters. He knew of Toastmasters, had a positive impression of it, and gave me respect for simply achieving Competent Communicator. It told him, on my own time, I was trying to improve myself. I was never interested in earning a DTM.

Maybe it's time I mention my DTM to my new employer!

[@terrifictomm]

@ Didn't TI send them a letter? When I finished my CC, I was shocked when the president, while visiting from Georgia, mentioned it in an All-Hands meeting. I was shocked and afterwards several people asked be about Toastmasters!

[@nozedic]

Unrelated to the TM content, the membership terms are awful. Waive right to sue for intentional acts? Forced to be an officer? Must attend? No thanks.

Yeah, it's not for everyone.

[@Lambdamale.]

@ Can you please elaborate on this point? I have been considering joining but I'm afraid I would be ousted if I work late and can't make it. 🤔

[@lewisstaples9913]

@@Lambdamale. I am a longtime member of Toastmasters. I have never heard of anyone being ousted for missing meetings. I have also never heard of that happening to someone who refused to be an officer.

[@mohdadam9778]

What i f I don't speak English well ? Can I join and would I get laughed by others ?

In our club, the vast majority are non-native speakers of English. Or you can join a club that meets in your local language.

[@mohdadam9778]

@ Well actually , my country is a multi languages country , we speak English as well .But I wanna improve my sosial skills because I am a nervous one .

[@littlemisswowzers7188]

I have an outgoing personality but dont think i use my hands well, do they teach that in toast masters?

It's less teaching, and more learning by doing. But yes, that is something you can focus on and ask your evaluators to check for, too.

[@apriore]

Sorry, I have to disagree with several of the downside points. Counting definitely helps many people. Maybe not you, but just because it doesn’t work for you doesn’t make it a negative. The point about the dress code is off to in my opinion. I believe in all things that one practices like they play. If a more formal attire is what one will be wearing during their speech, then wear it when practicing the speech.

Thanks for watching!

[@AlyxGlide]

I slightly disagree with this mixed lay favoritism & seriousness aversion while it seems mixed itself, though I understand that these are your perceived aspects through your time with Toastmasters & having not entered I appreciate some of your experience anyway!

Thanks for watching!

[@marketingdigitales4317]

Really Amizing

Thanks for watching!

[@fb314]

Joined 3 clubs. Got lots of practice. Held many officer positions. Raced through pathways liked a fiend. Overall, the feedback I got was to tame things down. You're making people uncomfortable. I rode the line on content without being vulgar. Much of my content was done with how the audience interpreted my speech, even though I didn't say those words. It left a lot to the imagination. I decided to walk away from that situation that I found toxic and manipulative. I met a lot of people that I considered toxic and preached conformity. I dropped them like a bad habit. The burnout was very real! I will never set foot into a club again.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@dreyadreya972]

You didn't like my public speaking, OMG you're so toxic, fuck offff

[@SuperMoke5]

What was your speech??

[@eliaschevette]

What was your goal with joining? I'm all for pushing the line but for a reason but I'm so tired of edgy daddy's boys that only say things for shock value.

[@dlight2669]

Huh I was in a support group wants that did not go by there guidelines and two of the people in the support group attacked me before I was in finished what I was saying didn't even get to finish the sentence and they insisted that I was wrong. Now this wasn't a toastmasters setting this was a different kind of a setting and I interpret this all as being toxic I knew it was toxic not helpful. Unfortunately people are people and a lot of us come with dysfunction

[@gitelhesselberg3636]

I have to disagree with couple points. First, I have seen many people improve their ums and ers in Toastmasters. And I have to say, when I hear someone speak, even if we're just having a casual conversation, those ums and ers are very distracting. Second, walk outside my front door. Nearly every man you see will be wearing a suit. Your experience is not universal.

It's great to hear that the ah counting works for some!

[@markkirsten3]

I feel the same. It is incredibly distracting to me as well. I would want to try and minimize crutch words if at all possible.

[@robwoolley]

Have you thought it's extremely distracting because you joined Toastmasters and became attuned to it? I think there is a fixation on filler words and other delivery aspects and less about what really matters, the content. However, it is a very good platform to speak from and desensitise.

[@Lambdamale.]

Belated question. Are you saying everyone in your group wears suits? I have been considering joining but not sure if I as a blue collar would fit in.

[@LetterSignedBy51SpiesWasA-Coup]

Titles are not necessarily conservative and conservative is not necessarily bad if what is being conserved has value. Structured would be a more precise description than conservative to describe roles and titles.

Thanks for watching!

[@eliaschevette]

In this case they are conservative from the American idea of what conservatism is. Most conservative institutions are obsessed with titles and medals. To point out an extreme look at how many medals the North Korean Generals have.

[@SAseeker101]

Go to Asia-people wear suits. Not everywhere thinks like the EU. I have just joined a group in Japan. They are very status conscious. So are Americans.

I'm sorry to hear that people wear suits in your Toastmasters club. The last time I was a member in a club in the EU was in Sweden back in 2010. There, and here in Switzerland, it's much more relaxed.

[@SAseeker101]

@ Frankly. I have only been to 2 meetings but I have enjoyed them and been treated very well. I was not complaining about the suits: it conveys respect for the audience. If there is a serious business meeting and you turn up looking liike you are off to the beach, then you are disrespecting your customers etc. Not every business is Tec. Your points about feedback are on point so I now look at the criticisms as being toned down. Thank you for that.

[@urszulagembarzewska4825]

Maybe I am to strait to the point, however this speech is too bland. Seemingly wszysktko correctly, there is a modulation of the voice but somewhere along the way the naturalness was lost. Sometimes more mistakes are better than exaggerated perfection. Substantively, on the other hand - super practical and helpful points! Thank you!

Thanks for watching!

[@TheGreatGYROFLUFF]

If Toast masters is essentially pubic speaking practice why does one go to it for over a decade? I don't mean this in any sort of derogatory way I'm just learning about Toastmasters for the first time.

One reason is that's it's easy way to get stage time, which is essential for improving. The other reason is that it can be a very nice community of people that you want to spend time with. In my case, in more recent years, the club experience taught me to organize hybrid meetings, which I also describe here on my channel.

[@terrifictomm]

Re-viewing your speech, let me add a little more. Specifically, that counting "ahs" doesn't help people improve. I can't believe I have to tell you how wrong you are. There's a member of our club who, when he was a new member, less than 6 months, I jokingly referred to as "The Wizard of Ahs." Of course, a play on the comic strip, "The Wizard of Id." He was also, and still is, a stutterer. And, not parodically, a pretty amazing salesman! Just last week he was credited with just one "filler word" and no ums or ahs either during his speech nor during his response to a TT question. He'll tell you, it was knowing someone was listening for them that helped him break those bad verbal habits.

That's a great result! I've just never seen that happen in my 16 years as a member in a half dozen clubs.

[@terrifictomm]

@ Then you have my sympathy. Sincerely. He's not the only example I can cite. Most recently, my brother-in-law. He's 70 years old with end-stage kidney failure. He's on dialysis 3-times a week. He joined Toastmasters after visiting with me a few weeks because he wanted out of the house! After a couple of weeks visiting, he won Best Table Topic after his first ever question. "What do you think about Toastmasters so far." He learned it's pretty easy to win TT if you breakdown in tears. He's was a hospital and restaurant cook for his entire career and none of his lifelong friends back in Philly can believe he's in Toastmasters. After he explains what it is! I say that to say he started out as a big ummer and aher. But recently he's massively improved; probably from being the Ah Counter six times out of the last seven meetings! It's the only job he feels capable of doing at this time! He told me seeing ums and ahs and you knows and sos being counted every week makes him remember not to do it and he's made it a personal goal. That's my experience.

[@saullandiof5768]

you can't be a toastmaster if you burn the toast

Thanks for watching!

[@barbaracarter831]

😊 on❤ in

Thanks for watching!