Student Organizations: The Rhetoricals Toastmasters Club

"The Rhetoricals" Toastmasters Club of the Appalachian School of Law

In 2012, ASL students created a local chapter of Toastmasters International, a public speaking and leadership educational group.  The club -- The Rhetoricals -- meets monthly and posts meeting dates and its program on TWEN.

The International Organization

The website for Toastmasters International explains that it is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.  It has more than 292,000 memberships in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries.

Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

It also publishes a monthly magazine supporting the professional growth of members. 

The national organization explains:

The educational program is the heart of every Toastmasters club. It provides members with a proven curriculum that develops communication and leadership skills one step at a time, with many opportunities for awards and recognition along the way. The communication and leadership tracks are not mutually exclusive; you may participate in both at the same time, if you wish.

You progress along each track by working through a series of manuals, each of which offers a set of carefully crafted projects to complete. 

Each project includes an evaluation guide, which gives club members an easy way to provide immediate feedback as the project is completed. 

Once you become a member, you can begin the educational program right away.

Educational manuals include:

• Competent Communication 
• Competent Leadership 
• Your Speaking Voice 
• Effective Evaluation 
• Gestures: Your Body Speaks

Mission, Values, and Envisioned Future

The mission statements, the value statement, and envisioned future succinctly express the function of each organizational unit.

Toastmasters International Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

District Mission

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Club Mission

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Toastmasters International Values

• Integrity
• Respect
• Service
• Excellence

Toastmasters International Envisioned Future

To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.

Member Demographics

A profile of Toastmasters members:

52% of members are female and 48% are male.
The average member annual household income is $50,000-$74,999.
30% of members earn $100,000+ annually.
The average member age is 45.8 years.
25.4% of members are between the ages of 18 and 34.
74% of members have a bachelor's degree or higher.
35% of members have a master's degree or higher.

What industries employ Toastmasters?

17% professional, scientific and technical services
15% finance, insurance and real estate
8% educational services
14% other
Only 3.2% of members are unemployed.

Club Events and Activities of ASL's "The Rhetoricals" 

The monthly meetings of the local club of the Appalachian School of Law give most members an opportunity to practice their public speaking skills, beginning with short Table Topics presentations (1-2 minutes) and then later by giving more structured speeches (5 minutes or more).  

In addition, members conduct a meeting in a way that enhances their leadership skills and ease at a podium.

2013-14 Officers of the club:

Zachary Smith, President

Amanda Kash, Vice President/Public Relations

Jason Morgan, Vice President/Membership

Moe Bryant, Secretary

Jennifer Pack, Treasurer

Joe Rion, Sergeant at Arms  

Assistant Professor Kendall Isaac serves as faculty advisor.