Quora Answer: How Likely is It That Joining Toastmasters Will Improve My Career Prospects?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “How likely is it that joining a public speaking group like Toastmasters International will improve my career prospects?” 

Public speaking, the art of rhetoric, is a necessary skill for any job that involves communicating with people, in groups, in meetings, at events, to motivate them and inspire them towards specific goals and objectives.  If you can speak well, it will show in the interview, and it will be reflected in your communication with colleagues, subordinates, as well as internal and external customer. 

That being said, joining a Toastmasters club is not a guarantee of this.  Many people join a gym.  Not all of them get fit, or have a proper exercise regime.  Toastmasters, as a programme, works when you are serious about being an effective communicator, invest time in practice and application, and find proper mentors.  Being a programme of independent learning, you proceed at your own pace. 

Unfortunately, it is also possible to go through the motions, complete projects and milestones, and be a Distinguished Toastmaster, without having the requisite ability at rhetoric.  As such, you have to decide whether you are in it to benefit, or for the title.  Too many people choose the title, and cannot speak well.