Toastmasters
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping people become more effective communicators and leaders. Founded in 1924, it operates a global network of over 14,000 clubs across 145+ countries, providing a supportive, self-paced environment for personal and professional growth. Members learn by doing, practicing public speaking, and building confidence through prepared speeches and impromptu "Table Topics" during meetings. A key component of the program is constructive, peer-to-peer evaluation, which helps individuals identify strengths and areas for improvement. Through the "Pathways" learning experience, members develop specialized competencies in areas like public speaking, leadership, and management. Toastmasters offers a welcoming, low-cost atmosphere suitable for anyone over 18 looking to improve their communication skills, think on their feet, and gain self-confidence. Clubs are diverse, often featuring a mix of professionals, students, and retirees, and function as a supportive, almost family-like community. Ultimately, Toastmasters empowers individuals to reach their full potential, often fostering leadership skills that directly benefit members in their careers and daily lives.
Insight CEO, Dr Mark Griffin, has been a member of Toastmasters since 2007 and identifies Toastmasters as the single, most important motivating factor for him to start his own business focussed on providing training internationally. Over 100 two-day and 50 five-day workshops later Mark has also served three terms as an Area Director and one term as a Division Director. He is now the proud founding President of the Toastmasters club at Griffith Gold Coast.