Home About ITC Newly Updated Resources Meetings Clubs Links
ITC stands for International Training in Communication. As the name implies, ITC is a training organisation where members learn and develop a wide range of communication skills.
Active
involvement in ITC helps members develop:
 |
Organisational techniques, by being involved in committee work and participating in business sessions. |
|
Leadership skills, by accepting various roles within the organisation. |
|
Proficiency in communication, by performing assignments at club and other levels of ITC. |
|
Confidence, by being involved in and succeeding at all the above tasks. |
Where
would I use skills learned at ITC?
|
Communication skills learned and developed at ITC are useful in all aspects of our lives, including personal relationships. |
|
At work - there are many people who have advanced within their chosen field thanks to the skills developed at ITC. |
|
Social clubs. |
|
Sporting clubs. |
|
Church groups. |
What
happens at an ITC CLUB meeting?
The program for a meeting can vary depending on the ITC club and the purpose of a meeting. A typical meeting has the following format:
Welcome and Inspiration: One of the members will welcome members and visitors, and then present a short inspirational thought or quotation with which to set the tone of the meeting.
Round Robin: This is an introductory segment. Each person stands, states their name, and then gives a short (usually 30 seconds) response to the topic chosen by the Round Robin leader. Visitors are welcome to take part.
Table Topics (Issues of the Day): One member presents each of (say) six speakers with a scenario on which they must speak impromptu for a stated time, usually one or two minutes. Topics can range from serious and controversial to light-hearted. It is not necessary to tell the truth: rather it is an opportunity to use one’s imagination.
Workshops: Members sometimes present workshops or educational sessions in which the entire audience participates, acquiring and developing skills through active involvement.
Speeches: One or more speeches may be presented, ranging from 3 to 8 minutes. Speeches may be impromptu or prepared. They may be humorous, informative or serious. Readings of prose and poetry are also presented.
Evaluation: One of the most important skills developed within ITC is evaluation. This is a constructive analysis of a speaker’s strengths as well as identifying areas needing attention, with suggestions for improvement. Evaluation is given in a positive, supportive manner.
Business Session: The purpose of conducting a business meeting is to deal with the business required in the ordinary running of an organisation, as well as to teach the executive and members the correct procedures and terminology of business meeting (parliamentary) procedure. Office bearers are trained to carry out their duties efficiently and in the correct manner.
Supper: During the evening we break for refreshments and the chance for a chat. The fellowship developed between members at ITC can be as valuable as the skills learned.
How is ITC Structured?
There are four levels within ITC:
Club: This is the grass roots level of ITC. Each club has not more than 30 members, ensuring that all members are able to participate. Most clubs meet twice per month.
Council: A number of clubs form a council. Flinders Council encompasses the clubs within Victoria. Councils meet three or four times per year, when educational and training sessions are presented, as well as a business meeting and an annual speech contest. All council meetings are organised by ITC members. Council provides officer training for club elected and appointed officers.
Region: Several Councils form a Region. Australian Region covers clubs Australia-wide. At the annual Region Conference, educational sessions are presented, with a business meeting and speech contest. The Region Conference is organised by ITC members. The Region also provides training to Council Executive Officers. A newsletter is produced for members several times per year. There are currently 21 regions within the organisation worldwide.
ITC: This is the international body, which holds a biennial convention. The international speech contest takes place as well as educational sessions and training, and a business meeting. ITC provides excellent educational material such as the Master Manual, as well as online material and booklets on a broad range of communication skills. This year the convention will be held in Brisbane in July.
How
did ITC start?
ITC began in the United States in 1938. At that time it was known as International Toastmistress Clubs. In 1961, ITC was introduced to Australia, and has since expanded throughout most of the country. In 1985, ITC changed its name to International Training in Communication.
How
does ITC interact with the Community?
Members of ITC are prepared to:
|
provide speakers for various community and club activities. |
|
organise seminars in leadership training, communication and meeting procedure. |
|
act as panel moderators and participate in group discussions. |
|
provide help in organising, coordinating and chairing meetings. |
|
present workshops in speech construction, analytical listening, voice production and platform techniques. |
Many ITC members enrich their individual club participation by giving community service.
Who
can join ITC?
ITC clubs welcome all interested adults, without regard to race, religion, nationality or gender.
Want to know more?
Learn more about International Training in Communication by following the ITC International link.
Australian Region comprises all the clubs within Australia.
Learn more about Australian Region at www.itcaustregion.org.au
ITC Flinders Council is a grouping of the Victorian clubs. Follow the link to the Clubs page for details of the clubs which comprise Flinders Council.
For more information regarding ITC or ITC Flinders Council, email us.