Two organizations
Ralph Smedley initially founded Toastmasters as a platform for honing communication skills. Over time, however, it has transformed into two distinct entities. One of these still adheres to Smedley’s original vision, particularly in clubs that remain true to the club mission statement.
The other, focused on the district mission statement, has taken on characteristics reminiscent of a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scheme. Unlike MLMs that share revenue, this model offers symbolic rewards like ribbons and paper certificates instead of financial incentives. From a financial perspective, it’s quite clever; the organization can function by motivating individuals with internal recognition rather than monetary compensation.
To be fair, the second organization does offer valuable lessons, but it also has a tendency to pressure those who aren’t interested in the MLM-style approach. This might be what you’re noticing. While these tactics can be frustrating, they may actually benefit the MLM-like segment of the organization. After all, if everyone adopted the MLM mindset, the headquarters could maximize its revenue. If you don’t fit into this mold, they might prefer if you eventually leave, allowing them to replace you with someone more aligned with their approach.
The MLM-oriented members would then eagerly fill your spot with someone who might better suit their methods. In this way, the system acts as a filter, selecting those who are willing (or can be convinced) to contribute free labor. The “product” used to draw you into this system is a speaking course.
Both groups within Toastmasters can offer benefits. However, if you’re not interested in the “leadership” aspect, it’s important to learn to say no firmly and, if possible, diplomatically. You should also become adept at recognizing questions designed to extract information that could be used to persuade you to do things you don’t want to do.
These tactics are common in everyday life, and Toastmasters can be an excellent place to learn how to identify and handle them. Mastering this skill might be just as valuable for your career advancement as the communication skills you develop. However, this perspective is rarely discussed openly.
Toastmasters International is exploitative
Toastmasters is a fascinating and likely one-of-a-kind organization. It offers an incredibly valuable service, but at its core, it’s a nonprofit that provides a comfortable living for its management. They can’t share membership income with those who generate it without losing their nonprofit status, yet their business model smartly turns this limitation to their advantage.
Many organizations around the world operate with a workforce of mostly volunteers, but what makes Toastmasters stand out is that it’s neither charitable nor religious. In those other organizations, members work for free because they believe in serving a cause greater than themselves.
In contrast, the purpose of Toastmasters is self-improvement—our goal is to better ourselves! To encourage volunteer work, many of their “leaders” are motivated to chase a hierarchy of fabricated recognitions that further their own self-promotion. While Toastmasters International (TI) may promote its programs externally, there’s a complete blackout when it comes to publicizing the recognitions members can earn.
Consider this: achieving a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation requires an extraordinary amount of effort. It would be immensely beneficial if employers recognized the dedication and sacrifice required to attain this honor.
But employers have no idea what a DTM is! Toastmasters has made no effort to inform them. While we can’t speculate on their intentions, this clearly works in TI’s favor. If members are driven by the need for recognition that’s only acknowledged within the organization, they have every reason to stay. Leaving would mean losing all that recognition.
By keeping members in the fold, TI ensures a steady supply of volunteers who can be called upon repeatedly for more free labor.
It’s an ingenious “disingenuous” system
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