Toastmasters is an international organization dedicated to improving public speaking and communication as well as leadership skills.  Toastmasters was established in 1924 by Dr. Ralph Smedley.   There are Toastmasters clubs located in 52 countries with more than 170,000 people involved in some 8,000 clubs.  There is on the average some 20 members per club and some three million people have participated in the Toastmaster programs.  Toastmasters uses self-paced programs allowing you to progress as rapidly or gradually as your needs dictate. Clubs can be community (open) clubs or clubs open only to employees of a specific company.  Grand Terrace Toastmasters is a community or open club and we invite all to attend.  You do not have to be a citizen of Grand Terrace and our members come from as far away as 40 miles to attend our weekly meetings.   We have and have had Accountants to Zen adherents as members, each contributing uniquely to the club.  Grand Terrace Toastmasters has been in existance for over 20 years with Mr. Tony Petta being one of the Founding Members.  Our paid membership varies from the upper twenties to the low forties making for a good sized club yet with ample opportunity for all to participate in the club meetings. We strive to always have a supportive and professional club atmosphere. Many members start out being afraid to speak in public and after six months are completely comfortable with public speaking.  You will get out of Toastmasters what you put into it. Upon joining a Toastmasters Club, a new member will receive a manual of ten basic speeches which will guide them in becoming a competent public speaker. Each speech teaches a different skill. For example, the goal of the first speech is to just begin speaking before an audience and is termed an Ice Breaker because you are speaking about yourself. Later speeches focus on organization of a presentation, body language, vocal variety, etc.. By giving these speeches at their own pace and by participating in other aspects of the meeting, members are guided to become effective speakers and communicators.