Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people to speak more effectively. It has no salaried staff except the Executive Director and World Headquarters staff, who provide services to the clubs and Districts. Toastmasters International is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The organization's business and services are administered by its World Headquarters, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

Dr. Ralph C. Smedley envisioned and established the first Toastmasters club on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California. After the addition of more clubs, Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932.