Award Date

1-1-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies

First Committee Member

Erika Engstrom

Number of Pages

92

Abstract

Since 1905, Toastmasters International (TI) serves as the most recognized organization for voluntary oral communication practice in the world. Due to the dearth of scholarly communication research regarding TI, this thesis details the history, educational structure, and program dynamics of the organization. Literature review included the nature and extent of post-secondary communication education, as well as social affiliation and leisure theories. Finally, an Internet survey of 343 international TI members revealed the demographics of the "typical" TI member: a male or female college graduate between the ages of 36--50, who works in a wide range of professions. The study also indicated that participants mainly join TI for professional purposes or for self-fulfillment. Similarly, participants remain in the organization for personal fulfillment and friendships. The author concluded that TI remains a fertile research area for communication scholars, particularly communication professors' perceptions of the organization, and longitudinal membership studies.

Keywords

Fellow; History; Membership; Phenomenon; Public; Speaking; Toastmasters

Controlled Subject

Communication; Rhetoric; History, Modern

File Format

pdf

File Size

2662.4 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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