Toastmasters is an educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication and public speaking skills. Toastmasters uses a club-based structure, each having around 20–40 members. Meetings are held every week and usually in the evening. Part of meetings is devoted to Table Topics, which are off-the-cuff speeches which are assigned on the spot by a Topics master. The goal of this is to think on one’s feet with minimal preparation. Every meeting is also based around a set of organized speeches. Speakers are evaluated by an experienced member who then gives an impromptu speech with constructive feedback based on their performance.
Toastmasters runs an international public speaking championship formally known as the Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking, which is held annually at its International Convention in August. There is a six-month process of elimination to reach the semi-finals, and there are ten places in the final and speeches are judged on content, gestures, organization and style.
