Public Relations FAQ

It’s common for companies to have internal publications and communications available to their employees. Corporate newsletters and magazines are examples of internal publications. Many companies use an intranet, which is an internal online network for employees. Company publications are cost effective and your best membership building tool to reach potential members.

• Contact the Human Resources department and ask if it would be appropriate to include a mention of Toastmasters in the organization’s publication(s) and intranet. Be sure to clarify how to submit information to the publication.

• Invite the management and executive teams to a club meeting or open house.

• Write an article about a member who had an excellent experience with a corporate Toastmasters club. Or, seek out and interview a leader in the organization who is a Toastmaster or promotes the Toastmasters program. Take pictures to include with the article. Be sure to include all club members’ names in the story. Employees will love the publicity and managers will be able to see who is participating.

If you cannot find the resource(s) you are looking for, contact us by email.

To generate positive awareness of the Toastmasters brand in order to attract and retain members.

The following club, area and district activities merit media coverage:

Club Level:

• Club members who used speaking or leadership skills acquired in Toastmasters to better their lives

• Projects of interest for local residents or the business community

• Officer elections or installations

• Speech contests (A member advancing after winning at the club level)

• Special presentations for the public, such as Speechcraft, Success/Leadership or Youth Leadership

• Important visitors or guest speakers

• Communication Achievement Award presentation

• Club and member awards, such as Toastmaster of the Year

• Distinguished Club recognition

• Club anniversary

• Club demonstration meetings

• Club charter meetings

Area Level:

• Area speech contest

• Area-wide events open to the public (e.g., special workshops)

List of clubs in local area, mentioning any specialties

District Level:

• Officer elections

• District conferences

• Communication and Leadership Award recipient

• Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year honorees

• Outstanding Area Governor of the Year honorees

• Speech contests

• Division speech contest winners

• District speech contest winners

• Distinguished District recognition (if applicable)

• Other international recognition (if applicable and allowed)

• Director visits

• New clubs chartered

• Speakers bureau available for presentations at local groups

A boilerplate is a short description of an organization for editorial use. It is usually found at the end of a news release. Toastmasters International updates its boilerplate every year. Here’s the current official boilerplate:

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with over 270,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs in 150 countries.

Always do your homework about the news outlet and/or journalist you are about to contact to know what he or she regularly writes about MondoTimes is a free online media directory that offers information on your local news outlets.