At Bruin Toastmasters, members learn by speaking, listening and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of about 20 people who meet weekly or biweekly. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice communication and leadership skills.
Toastmasters Educational Program
Upon joining a Toastmasters club, a new member receives a copy of the Basic Communication and Leadership Program Manual and resources on speaking. Members also have access to other books as well as audio and video on speaking and leading. They also receive the award-winning monthly magazine, The Toastmaster, that offers the latest insights on speaking and leadership techniques. There is also a mentoring/coaching program available for new members.
Developing Leadership Skills
Leadership cannot be learned in a day. It takes practice. In Toastmasters, members build leadership skills by conducting meetings, motivating others to help them, and mentoring/coaching new members. Club leadership roles and a leadership development program also offer opportunities to learn and practice. Just as Toastmasters members learn to speak simply by speaking, they learn leadership by leading.
The Mission of Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.
Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking -vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of Clubs.
A Brief History of Bruin Toastmasters
Bruin Toastmasters was started in 1999, by a group of UCLA students and staff that wanted to improve their public speaking skills. While there were tons of classes and resources on the classes, sciences, and engineering, there wasn't a good place for the people of the UCLA community who wanted to actually practice their public speaking skills.
The great wealth of bruin toastmasters are our energetic members and officers. We pride ourselves on being a positive environment for becoming better presenters, speakers, and leaders. We have been fortunate to have had good advisers and presidents. Past presidents include Dan Palodichuk (2005-06), Steve Yu (2006-07, 2007-08), Carlo Chupina (2008-09), Mailo Haro (2009-10), Scott Neacato (2010-11), Tara Brown (2011-2012), and Cathy Behrens (2012-2013).
We are in good standing with Toastmasters International, and have received:
President's Distinguished Club ('03-'04, '04-'05, '08-'09, '09-'10, '10-'11) Select Distinguished Club ('06-'07, '07-'08,'12-'13,'15-'16) Distinguished Club ('05-'06)