About Magazine

History

In December 1930, a small, six-page mimeographed bulletin called The Gavel launched. It was just a few pages of notices and a letter from Toastmasters International founder and president, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley.

With a new name, The Toastmaster magazine debuted in April 1933 with four monthly issues a year. Measuring only 6 inches by 3 1/2 inches, it was less than 20 pages long and consisted of news items from the 13 clubs in the federation. In 1942 the magazine changed to a bimonthly publication and grew into a 5-inch by 8-inch format. Four years later, in 1946, The Toastmaster shifted to its current monthly schedule. For the first 70 years of its existence, the magazine was called The Toastmaster. Then, in 2004, The was removed and it has since been Toastmaster magazine.

For many years, Dr. Smedley served as editor of the magazine, eventually transitioning to writing a monthly column called Personally Speaking. Today, the International President continues this tradition with the monthly International President’s Message.

The web-based edition of the Toastmaster launched in October 2016, allowing articles to be further enhanced by videos, podcasts, and photo galleries. This also made it much easier to share articles with other members and on social media.

The magazine continues to be published in a traditional monthly cycle, with articles presented in both a PDF and online format. Both versions are available at toastmasters.org/Magazine. Articles are shared with members in various ways, including a monthly email, various social media postings, and on the main Toastmasters landing page. The print edition of the magazine was suspended indefinitely in May 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout the years, the mission of the magazine has remained the same: to provide high-quality articles that are educational and inspirational, and that empower members on their journey. A team of experienced editors and designers work with professional writers and members to produce useful content on public speaking and leadership tips, club and member profiles, and professional development articles.

Honors and Awards

The Toastmaster magazine regularly submits entries to Folio's Eddie Awards for excellence in editorial content across various categories. This prestigious national competition receives thousands of entries each year and employs an elaborate judging process. Below are some of the magazine’s recent recognitions:

• Finalist for Full Issue: Association/Nonprofit: Professional/Membership: Special Print Commemorative Toastmaster
• Finalist for Instructional/How-To (Best Example of Service Journalism): “Stop Talking So Much!” by Joel Schwartzberg
• Honorable Mention for Profile or Q&A for an Association/Nonprofit: "From Silent Stutterer to Stand-Up Comedian" by Shannon Dewey
• Honorable Mention for Column/Blog for an Association/Nonprofit: "Using My Skills to Honor My Family" by Caren Neile
• Best Column/Blog for an Association/Nonprofit: "Fitting in as an Autistic Speaker" by Jolene Stockman
• Honorable Mention for Instructional/How-To for an Association/Nonprofit: "Master the Art of Interviewing" by Jennifer L. Blanck
• Honorable Mention for Profile or Q&A for an Association/Nonprofit: "Running With a Dream: Trailblazing Bosnian runner and speaker learns that training is everything" by Laura Amann

The Toastmasters Podcast

The magazine works closely with the producers and host of The Toastmasters Podcast, which is available on all major streaming platforms. New episodes drop twice a month and regularly feature interviews with experts on topics covered in the Toastmaster magazine.

Magazine Copyright

Copyright 2026 Toastmasters International, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material.

Toastmasters International, the Toastmaster logo, and the Toastmaster International Emblem are trademarks of Toastmasters International registered in the United States, Canada, and many other countries.