Any Toastmasters Members? Would you recommend them for general public speaking "practice"?

I used to be a member. It is a great way to get comfortable with public speaking and to get honest critiques in a safe place. Go for it!!
The thing I remember most was the guy who counted how many times we said, Ummmm..”

My husband was a member of Toastmasters and he got a lot of help out of the exercises and meetings. He credits Toastmasters with helping him get ahead in his work, dealing with both bosses and his workers.

I have attended one meeting. I would like to go back but work/life got in the way and I haven’t managed to. The group I attended were wonderfully supportive and friendly and I feel a bit guilty about not going back yet. It was very much driven by timing though. “You have 30 seconds to talk on this topic”. Or going around the room, responding to a stimulus. I can definitely see how it would improve both your impromptu and prepared speaking skills. I went along because in my current role, despite having done a great deal of public speaking, I don’t often need to do any formal public speaking. I am concerned about getting out of practice and have noticed when I do have to speak, I get very nervous now. I think I will go back – I just have to get passed the ‘I haven’t been here for a few months since my first visit’ thing :D. Let us know how you go.

Great responses, everyone!
@Judi – I try, every so often, to get rid of those “ummms” – uhhh, hmmm, it’s hard! @YARNLADY – I wasn’t even thinking of how it may effect my work-life. I can see talking to clients for my design stuff and bosses for retail might be a wonderful advantage.
@Bellatrix – I’ll let you know how it goes, when I can locate a location and it fits into my schedule.
I’ve been thinking about doing something – a bipolar support group, or the “gym”, or something. I need to get out of the bubble. Thanks, all!

I’ve had a number of friends who have nothing but good things to say about it. Sounds good to me!