Toastmasters is a worldwide non-profit organization that has a presence in more than 70 countries. It is dedicated to helping members develop and enhance communication and leadership skills. The organization achieves this goal through regularly scheduled meetings that allow participants to gain practical experience in:

• Holding meetings -- each meeting members play various leadership roles and become accustomed to the process of meetings.
• Extemporaneous speaking -- a session called "table topics" provides opportunities for members to speak for a few minutes on topics assigned on the spot. This helps participants to become more comfortable with thinking and speaking on their feet.
• Planned speaking -- two or three members present short, planned speeches on various topics. Speakers have predetermined goals regarding skills to practice, such as persuasion, voice, language, use of gestures.
• Evaluation -- individual members evaluate each meeting and speaker, enabling speakers to receive constructive feedback and members to learn to listen and evaluate speeches effectively.