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.

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.

Meetings are held at Cedar Mountain Commons on 3 John H. Steward Drive, in Newington, near the Super Food Mart. Membership costs $5 per month and includes international membership and a monthly subscription to Toastmasters magazine.

Club meetings feature prepared speeches delivered by members and by distinguished guests. However, our meetings also include an impromptu speaking session that's fun for everyone! Even guests can participate here! Finally, the meetings contain oral and written evaluations for the featured speakers, for personal improvement and for the benefit of the entire audience.


Cedar Hill Toastmasters meet from 7:00 to 8:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.