EXPERIENCE YOUR BREAKTHROUGHS...
The proven way to become a better speaker
YMCA Toastmasters Club of Singapore was founded in 1997. It is one of the earliest established and most influential Toastmasters clubs, noted for developing and producing many successful public speakers.
The club’s mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
The early beginnings – Toastmasters and YMCA
Dr Ralph C. Smedley (1878-1965), Founder of Toastmasters, an international speaking organisation with more than 235,000 members, had these to say,
"The unprepared speaker has a right to be afraid."
"We learn best in moments of enjoyment."
"Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual."
The story of Ralph Smedley’s early work with Toastmasters is a testimony to insight and tenacity. While working for the YMCA, he discovered that many young men were tongue-tied and awkward in their presentations. To help them improve, he created a club where they could practice public speaking in an atmosphere of acceptance and assistance.
The idea was a success – the young men’s skills improved. However, the club was not self-sustaining. Four times, Dr. Smedley was transferred by his employer, and each time a club he left behind eventually died. After 16 years, he was finally transferred to Santa Ana, California, where his concept of self-sustaining clubs for the practice and improvement of public speech grew into reality, establishing a strong-enough foothold to thrive on their own.
Dr. Smedley established Toastmasters as "a non-profit, non-commercial movement, for the benefit of its members" and never made a penny from his creation. He worked for the YMCA until retirement at the age of 63 and then volunteered his services to Toastmasters until shortly before his death at 87.
What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters is a non-profit educational organisation. Members learn communication and leadership skills by practising public speaking and working with others in a warm and friendly environment.
Our Objective and Location
The objective of YMCA Toastmasters Club is to give members unlimited opportunities to improve communications and leadership skills. We meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at Function Room III, 4th Floor, YMCA Building, 1 Orchard Road, Singapore 238824.
What's in it for you?
Toastmasters gives you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You will be more persuasive and confident when giving presentations, and you will improve your one-on-one dealings with others.
How does it work?
Don’t worry! Everyone in a Toastmasters club was once at the level you are now. The environment is friendly and supportive, and the self-paced program allows you to build confidence with each speaking assignment. And you will love the applause! Constructive evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters program. Each time you give a prepared speech, an evaluator will point out strengths and suggest improvements. At first you will be applauded for your effort; later you will be applauded for your skills.
What happens at a club meeting?
A typical Toastmasters Club is made up of 15-25 people who meet twice each month for two hours. Each meeting gives members an opportunity to enhance their public speaking skills by:
Conducting meetings -- Meetings usually include a short business session which helps members learn basic meeting procedures.
Giving impromptu speeches -- Members present one to two minute impromptu speeches on assigned topics.
Presenting prepared speeches -- Three or more members present speeches based on projects from the Toastmasters Communication Program manuals. Projects cover topics such as speech organisation, voice, language, gestures, and persuasion.
Presenting other assignments -- There are many other roles at a meeting. Many of these focus on leadership development based on projects in the Toastmasters Leadership Program manual.
Offering constructive evaluation -- Every speaker is assigned an evaluator who highlights the speakers strengths and offers suggestions for improvement.
Visit our club today!
You won’t regret it. Our club is just one of the more than 10,000 clubs located around the world. Visitors can always be assured of a friendly welcome at YMCA Toastmasters Club. They may attend one or more meeting to see the Toastmasters program in action without any obligation.
Toastmasters currently has over 235,000 members in 80 countries. Clubs differ in size, culture, types of venues, meeting times and lengths and meal arrangements. For enquiry on membership, please contact President CHEW Ban Seng 91869763 (email: bschew@gmail.com) or Vice President Membership Alvin TAY 91509690.
More About Toastmasters...
