Timeless words from the last page of the 1956 edition of “Basic Training for Toastmasters”, written by Ralph C. Smedley:

ARE YOU A TOASTMASTER?

The Men in Toastmasters have at least two qualifications in common: they have a life-time of living ahead of them and they way to make the most of it.  Their principal goal is self-improvement.  Hundreds of firms, institutions, and associations consider a man’s completion of his Basic Training Program the cue for his advancement.

The Basic Training Program includes the completion of twelve speech experiences treated in this book.  It also includes, as part of the club activity, seldom less than fifty impromptu talks, membership on one or more committees, and the fulfillment of other specified responsibilities.  In these capacities, he learns to work with others, to evaluate and accept merited criticism, and to listen and to speak more effectively.  The Basic Training program is an adult educational experience.

Besides Basic Training which is normally completed in less than two years of club attendance, there are provided opportunities for obtaining leadership experience as a club officer, communication and more advanced group experience as an Area officer, supervisory and executive experience as a District officer, and administrative experience as a member of the International Board of Directors.

This is a form of on-the-job training, for at each of these levels of experience the man not only has the opportunity to assume responsibilities and to experiment with methods in situations where success or failure is its own reward or punishment, but also he has at his disposal the resources of experienced men and of specialists in various areas of communication.  His training is directed experience.

Toastmasters International is structured to provide for these educational experiences.  Its acceptance has been so wide that any statistics used to show the numbers sharing this training must be dated.  At present (summer 1957) membership in Toastmasters International exceeds 75,000 and to that is being added about 3,000 new members joining each month.

Membership is dynamic; like the enrollment of any educational institution, some complete the degree of training that they seek and turn their newly gained skills to profit in their businesses and professions, leaving room for others to take their places on the ladder of progressive training.

The Future of the Toastmaster is seldom in question.  Even the attainment of the fundamental plateau marked by the completion of the Basic Training Program brings tangible results.  When page 58 of this booklet is received, the Home Office provides a further support and service.  If the man so desires, a letter is sent to his “boss” advising him of this progress.

Most men are willing to accept this recognition and most employers reply, “We have been pleased with Joe’s growth in maturity, work relationships, and ability to express his ideas.  Toastmasters should be credited for helping him to attain the promotion that he is being given.”