The ONE thing I never liked was the corny part where they did joke of the day. It's not funny when you're there trying to give a joke. It's like asking someone to tickle you.
Other than that, Toastmasters is really good. Don't need it if your school gives classes, but it never hurts.
By the way, I can vouch for Owen's speaking abilities =)
Owen blushes and is curious of where you saw me. Given the geography, I'm guessing Reflections/Projections. I was weak then!
Coincidentally I did joke of the day for the first time last week and mostly concur with your opinion.
Probably the best speaking experience I gained was when I stood up in front of 57 students twice a week for a full semester. With the power of life or death (aka A-F) comes responsiblity.
Also I should mention, since it's been part of the whole toastmasters motivation and stuff, and since everyone here seems to enjoy me talking about digg, I'm giving a _keynote_ at dpc (Dutch PHP Conference) in June entitled "Digg: The First Two Years":
http://www.phpconference.nl/
It should be pretty good, because I'm totally beyond the control of Digg PR. Though I will try to be fair and balanced about what actually was a great experience.
I've been scared to watch it. But I loved that conference, basically because there was less pressure, and it had really interesting but offbeat speakers, namely Steve Yegge and Randall Monroe (xkcd.com). I felt privileged to be there but not pressured to perform.
Other than that, Toastmasters is really good. Don't need it if your school gives classes, but it never hurts.
By the way, I can vouch for Owen's speaking abilities =)