Ralph Smedley, created the first Toastmaster meeting in 1905 in a basement of YMCA and initiated later all our organization.
In his first Basic Training manual, (that become Competent Communicator Manual now) Smedley described in 1945 thus what we can expect as we join, with faithful and persistent work in a Toastmaster club.
There are still true today!
Of course today, we would say people instead of men, to include women admitted in 1975.
Smedley finishes :
The ability to speak effectively is something which will not remain hidden; it cannot be ignored. The able speaker sells himself, along with his ideas.
Following, what is today called the Competent Communication Manual's projects, he added, and it is still true for all of us who joined the club, "everyone will gain results of improvement beyond his best expectations."
In his first Basic Training manual, (that become Competent Communicator Manual now) Smedley described in 1945 thus what we can expect as we join, with faithful and persistent work in a Toastmaster club.
There are still true today!
- Self confidence, in what you know and can do (different from self conceit, he added)
- Ability to speak more effectively before all groups
- Ability as a leader: the trained speaker is a natural leader
- Ability to listen critically.
- Ability to take constructive criticism and use it (a real character builder! he added)
- Ability to think more clearly and constructively, broadening your interest in life
- Tolerance, to see both sides of a question
- Advancement in your position, either in group, community or office
- Increased usefulness, home and in community
- Valuable friendship with ambitious, congenial men.
Of course today, we would say people instead of men, to include women admitted in 1975.
Smedley finishes :
The ability to speak effectively is something which will not remain hidden; it cannot be ignored. The able speaker sells himself, along with his ideas.
Following, what is today called the Competent Communication Manual's projects, he added, and it is still true for all of us who joined the club, "everyone will gain results of improvement beyond his best expectations."
