In October 1924, a group of men assembled by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley met in the basement of the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, U.S.A., forming a club “to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members.” The group took the name “Toastmasters.”  We are a local chapter of Toastmasters International.

The AHFC was organized to help those who have completed the Competent Communicator OR Competent Leader awards to gain advanced insight and skills through participation and association with other members who have achieved the Advanced Awards and those who are Distinguished Toastmasters.

 

Today, Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization which gives its members the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking abilities through local club meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Toastmasters International includes more than 199,000 men and women in more than 9,300 clubs in more than 70 countries. 

Experienced professionals and beginning speakers alike can benefit from our practical, face-to-face learning program. Whether you're speaking to the board of directors, your customers, your co-workers or your kids, Toastmasters can help you do it better. You'll learn and practice in a friendly, comfortable environment with people who are there for the same reason you are—to become better communicators.

At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a week for about an hour. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, and offering constructive evaluation.

 

In the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) main office.  AHFC is located at 4300 Boniface Parkway, on the northwest corner of Tudor and Boniface.  Click here  to see a map.  We meet in the training room on the first floor, just to the right of the main entrance.

 

Every 4th (Regular Evaluation Format) and 5th (Special Theme Format) Monday, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  Come and join us for fun and education.