Toastmasters International Presents Record-Breaking 15,000+ Leadership Awards in 2010

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org), the world leader in communication and leadership skill-building, finds developing leadership skills a rising trend among today’s professionals. In 2010 more than 15,000 Toastmasters members completed programs in the organization’s leadership track – up a record 30% over 2009.  In addition to its well-known public speaking programs, Toastmasters International’s tailored curriculum for leadership development offers self-paced opportunities for awards and recognition.

“Successful leaders must expand their knowledge of communication and leadership through ongoing education and practice,” says Toastmasters International Executive Director, Daniel Rex. “The Toastmasters program is unique in that it offers members the opportunity to practice leadership roles that directly impact the success of the entire organization. Members examine situations, ask questions, discuss issues with others, consider alternatives, make mistakes and see results,” says Rex.

Although intelligence and expertise are necessary for any profession, Toastmasters members point out that honest, open and ongoing communication derives from the top. Interpersonal skills are required to meet the demands of leadership in today’s workforce.

• “Despite the emphasis placed on technology, globalization and leaner more efficient systems, commerce is still a matter of effective communication,” says Toastmaster Fred Johnson, a history professor at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and a current candidate for a U.S. congressional seat in West Michigan. Johnson points out that people are looking for leaders who can “build trust and confidence, and can inspire others.”
• “As a leader, the first thing is to always be honest,” says Toastmaster Lucille Kring, who is currently running for California State Senate. “Not everything is rosy, especially now with the unemployment rates and financial crisis. Take ownership, explain what is going on and ask for help.”

Toastmasters International’s Competent Leadership manual is the core of its leadership track. An updated and improved version of the manual was launched in the spring of 2010.  The organization has presented 465,500-plus leadership awards in its 86-year history.

It features 10 projects, which members complete while serving in various club meeting roles. An evaluator will give the individual feedback on each project, helping them to improve. When members complete the manual, they are eligible for Competent Leader (CL) recognition. To learn more about Toastmasters leadership program, please visit www.toastmasters.org.

About Toastmasters

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. The organization currently has more than 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in 113 countries. Since its founding in October 1924, the organization has helped more than 4 million men and women give presentations with poise and confidence. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org.

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Daniel Rex

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SOURCE Toastmasters International