Break Of Day Toastmasters club is open to any member age 18 or older who wants to improve his or her communications or leadership skills, or who wants to help others do so. We are a small club, but growing. The small audience gives our members more opportunities to advance in both communicating and leadership roles.

Club 8643 is part of Area 85, Southern Division, District 6, Region IV, and Toastmasters International. 

Belonging to a Toastmasters club can help you improve your communication skills with others, gain confidence when you are called upon to speak to a group, gain leadership skills, and learn how to run an effective meeting. 

Most frequently asked question:
I have no speaking experience, can I join Break of Day Toastmasters?

Absolutely! Our members range from those who are just getting their feet wet in giving speeches to those who have many years of speaking experience within and outside of Toastmasters. It also includes members who want to improve their effectiveness when communicating with others one-on-one. Whether you want to be a better speaker, listener, or leader, we provide an effective and supportive venue for pursuing your goals.

In October 1924, a group of men assembled by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley met in the basement of the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, U.S.A., forming a club “to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members.” The group took the name “Toastmasters.” We are a local chapter of Toastmasters International.

Today, Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization which gives its members the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking abilities through local club meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Toastmasters International includes more than 199,000 men and women in more than 9,300 clubs in more than 70 countries.

Experienced professionals and beginning speakers alike can benefit from our practical, face-to-face learning program. Whether you're speaking to the board of directors, your customers, your co-workers or your kids, Toastmasters can help you do it better. You'll learn and practice in a friendly, comfortable environment with people who are there for the same reason you are—to become better communicators.

At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Toastmasters club is made up of 20 to 30 people who meet once a week for about an hour. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, and offering constructive evaluation.

We meet on the 19th floor of the Gonda Building - 200 1st St SW Rochester, MN. in  conference room 105 (Click on Directions under the Main Menu). The Gonda Building is part of the downtown campus of Mayo Clinic. Meetings are held every Wednesday morning, 7:00 - 8:00 am except for holidays.

More About Toastmasters...

For more information about Toastmasters, be sure and visit the websites: