1922

• Smedley accepts job at YMCA in Santa Ana, California


• Organizes what becomes Club No. 1 of Toastmasters International

1924

• October 22: meeting of approximately two dozen men marks birth of today’s Toastmasters


• Article published in YMCA’s national publication, Association Men; word spreads


• Smedley is recognized for avoiding oratorical style of previous century; for keeping meetings simple

1926

• Second Toastmasters club chartered in Anaheim, California


• Smedley writes Manual of Instruction (known later as The Club Management Handbook)


• Smedley writes Ten Lessons in Public Speaking

1928

• “Toastmasters Club” trademarked

1932

• Toastmasters International incorporated


• First president: Advertising Salesman J. Clark Chamberlain

1933

• First Toastmaster magazine published in April

1935

• First club outside the United States chartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

1938

• Clubs reach 100-milestone

1940

• Smedley resigns from YMCA; becomes Toastmasters’ first professional employee

1942

• Smedley writes Basic Training, the “Bible” of Toastmasters

1946

• District 18 of Scotland is first organized outside of the United States

1949

• Clubs reach 700-milestone

1959

• The Story of Toastmasters (Reminiscences of the Founder) published

1962

• First World Headquarters building dedicated in October

1965

• Educational Advisory Committee established


• Smedley dies at age 87

1969

• New Communication and Leadership program introduced

1973

• Membership opened to women

1974

• Membership reaches more than 60,000 in 3,000 clubs in 41 countries


• Toastmasters International celebrates 50th anniversary

1982

• Membership reaches 100,000

1985

• Helen Blanchard first female president

1989

• Membership reaches 150,000

1991

• Toastmasters headquarters moves from Santa Ana to Rancho Santa Margarita, California

1993

• Clubs reach 8000-milestone

1995

• First website launched

2004

• Clubs reach 10,000-milestone

2008

• Daniel Rex becomes executive director

2009

• Organization’s structure changed to 14 global regions


• Membership reaches 250,000 in 106 countries

2011

• Brand, website, logo and tagline are refreshed and updated

2017

• Pathways launched in various regions

2018

• Headquarters relocates to Englewood, Colorado


• Pathways fully implemented in May

Envisioned Future

To be the first-choice provide or dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development

Toastmasters International 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.