Quotes from Dr. Ralph Smedley, Founder of Toastmasters International

"Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual, we work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others."

 "We realize that the two most important factors in Toastmasters is Mentoring and Evaluations, there is no doubt that if these two are done well and there is a good Mentoring program, your club will be filled with spark plugs ready to fire upon request. Mentoring and evaluations create enthusiasm, and once you light that fire the only thing it needs is some kindling." 

"While most of us may have entered Toastmasters to learn to make speeches, that benefit is but the beginning of the good which may come to us and the good which we may do for mankind." 

"We learn best in moments of enjoyment"

 "You can profit by the wisdom of others, and you can give them full credit."  

"Circumstances always modify rules."

 "All speech is for communication, and there is no possibility of communication unless people understand. Your Club can help you to find out whether you are making yourself understood."

 "There are no absolutes in public speaking."

 "We need fewer rules on detail and better understanding of general purposes."  

"When you talk, you give yourself away. You reveal your true character in a picture which is more true and realistic than anything an artist can do for you."  

"To the other values of Toastmasters training let us add this one, with emphasis - that it is the busy man's best chance to take a post graduate course in general information without inconvenience or loss of time."

 "While most of us may have entered Toastmasters to learn to make speeches, that benefit is but the beginning of the good which may come to us, and the good which we may do for mankind."

 "The Toastmasters Club which has the right sort of program does not lose its members."

"The club whose membership is shrinking has something the matter with it."

 "People more willingly follow a leader who knows where he is going."

 "The destination determines the direction."

"The unprepared speaker has a right to be afraid."