Toastmasters International is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The first Club was formed in October 1924 by Dr Ralph C. Smedley in Santa Ana, California. The objective was to “afford practice and training in the art of public speaking, in presiding over meetings, to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members”.
Since then, more than 9 million people around the world have become confident speakers and leaders because of their participation in Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a worldwide leader in communication and leadership development. Today the membership is 3.5 million strong and growing. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 15,000 clubs that make up their global network of meeting locations.
The YMCA of Ipoh Toastmasters Club was founded on December 4, 1980. On June 23, 1981, the Club received its Charter Number 4595 from Toastmasters International and had 33 chartered members. Since then, many Toastmasters have achieved Competent Communicators status.
The club members are indeed proud to belong to an organisation that has stood the test of time and has proven invaluable in developing communication and leadership skills among its members.
Members of the public who are interested in the activities of the club may contact: Pak Peter J. Bucher, Immediate-Past President, YMCA of Ipoh Toastmasters Club, at 019 574 3572; email: pakpeter47@gmail.com or Nur Aida Ahmad Nazeri, VP Public Relations at 013 363 9490; email: amedasy3@yahoo.com.my.
