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I have found Toastmasters to be a very valuable tool for the business world. The secret of Toastmasters is not that you learn to give a speech, but you learn to listen more effectively. At a Toastmasters meeting, when someone is giving a speech, people in the audience have jobs to do. One person counts "Um's," another watches for grammatical errors, and another makes notes for a critique of the speech. These activities teach you to listen more effectively to another person. Once you do these activities, you will be perceived in your office as a better listener. Learning to give effective presentations is also a benefit but listening better to other people, and breaking a habit of thinking what to say next when the other is finished talking is priceless. And for about $30.00 a year, Toastmasters is the most cost effective self improvement program out there.