speaking in public *and* learning English

[Dichroic]

It sounds like a lot of people here have experience with Toastmasters, so I'd be curious about your opinions. My company is trying to get a chapter started; we're in Taiwan, and the idea is that it would not only help people practice public speaking but also help them practice their English.

There's been some hesitation: I think the ones whose English isn't very good are nervous about having to speak in English *and* in public, and the ones who are more proficient would rather join a chapter away from work.

What do you think? Is fluency something TM could help with?

[dgiharris]

Depends on how far along their English is.

If they are close to fluent and can benefit from practice, Toastmasters can help.

If they need significant learnings or schoolings, Toastmasters may not be ideal.

If they are all more or less around the same level, then Toastmasters can help if for nothing more than practicing.

Practicing a language to learn it is the ideal method. It would also give them an incentive to learn since they will be speaking in front of everyone once or twice a week.

But in my opinion, they would need to be far enough along in English to speak at at least a third grade level to benefit. Otherwise, it stops being Toastmasters and starts being a language class.

Mel...