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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., May 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As this year's college graduates prepare to land their first "real" job, many believe they are leaving school equipped with the degree and experience necessary to succeed in the workplace. What they aren't aware of is that they may be lacking a skill viewed as crucial by the majority of employers:  the ability to communicate effectively.

Eighty-nine percent of employers worldwide consider strong verbal communication skills a critical attribute they seek in potential new hires, according to the 2015 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, a poll that portrays the current employment landscape for business school hires across industries and world regions.

Whether it's presenting in front of a group or listening to coworkers, the ability to communicate is vital in the workplace. Through its 15,000-plus clubs around the world, Toastmasters International offers a supportive setting where people can improve through practice and evaluation to become more confident communicators.

"Toastmasters gives college students a place where they can develop the skills that employers most value," says Jim Kokocki, Toastmasters 2015-16 International President. "Excellent grades and strong technical skills may land a student their first job; however, it will be the employee's ability to communicate ideas well and work well with others that will strongly influence their future opportunities."

Matt Martinez, of Seattle, Wash., joined Toastmasters as a college student to improve his public speaking. He found that the skills and confidence he developed during his three years of attending Toastmasters club meetings have translated into a successful career in medical nutrition sales.  

"In the professional sales industry, the ability to communicate confidently makes the difference between success and failure," says Martinez, who graduated from Chapman University in May 2015. "That's one of the biggest benefits I've received from being a Toastmaster."

More than 75 percent of Toastmasters members have a Bachelor's degree or higher. In a Toastmasters meeting, members have the opportunity to practice skills that help with many of the common demands of the workplace, including:

• Answering questions on the spot
• Delivering presentations
• Learning leadership and management skills
• Fostering productive work relationships
• Developing and presenting ideas effectively
• Sharpening listening skills

To find a local Toastmasters club where you can improve your communication skills to further your career, go to www.toastmasters.org/findaclub.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160523/371113

SOURCE Toastmasters International