Top 10 Most "Frequently Asked Questions"
- What is Toastmasters?
- How do I join?
- How much does membership cost?
- How often do you all meet?
- How will I benefit by joining Toastmasters Leadership Club?
- How do I start my first speech?
- Is Toastmasters for experts or novices?
- How soon will I see results?
- Do I need to attend every meeting and is there a dress code?
- Is participation mandatory?
Q1: What is Toastmasters?
Have you ever had to speak or present in front of a group? Did the experience make you nervous? Did you wish you could have been better prepared?
Toastmasters International is a worldwide, nonprofit organization that's devoted to helping you develop better presentation and leadership skills. Started over seventy-five years ago at a YMCA in California, it has grown enormously. Each year, hundreds of new clubs are chartered, in various local areas and districts.
Learn By Doing
Imagine that you're a golfer. How can you improve your skills? Well, you can always find a driving range at which to practice. You can also visit different golf courses, or join a country club.
But what if you're a potential public speaker? Where can you practice your skills?
You might practice at home, into a tape recorder, or in front of a mirror, friend or family member. But will that truly give you the experience of presenting in front of a group, in a large room?
That's where Toastmasters comes in. Each club has a core membership, at least half of which will be in attendance. So, you've already got a solid group of people to practice in front of. And that's what Toastmasters is all about: providing you regular, low-cost opportunities to practice speaking in public.
The meetings are structured, with participants taking on specific speaking roles. Table Topics , the part of the meeting during which anyone may get up to speak on an impromptu topic (given by the Topicsmaster), offers an opportunity for you to "think quickly". Other participants will be counting speakers' "ums" and "ahs", timing the speeches, critiquing the meeting and the presenters, and listening for grammatical errors. Every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Q2: How do I join?
Just visit our “Sign Me Up!” web page and complete the two-step process for starters.
Q3: How much does membership cost?
Dues are $27 once a semester (April & October) for Toastmasters International. Plus there is a “one-time” new member fee of $22, which includes your new member kit, and a $7 club fee (per semester). Here's the breakdown:
1. NEW MEMBER FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.00
Paid only by new members. Covers tax, costs of the New Member Kit and processing.
2. LOCAL CLUB FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00
Paid once per semester by members.
3. Membership Dues pro-rated at $4.50 per month, so depending on which month you join...
October --or-- April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27.00
November --or-- May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.50
December --or-- June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18.00
January --or-- July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.50
February --or-- August . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.00
March --or-- September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50
4. Your TOTAL COST = [1.] + [2.] + [3.] = $ ______________
Q4: How often does your club meet?
We meet once a week, see our “Calendar” web page to find out additional details.
Q5: How will I benefit by joining TLC?
You'll get feedback, support and regular practice regarding your presentation skills. Your confidence will grow dramatically. Often, you'll break beyond what you thought you couldn't do. And you'll make some great friends in the process.
Shortly after you join, you'll receive a new member packet, which includes your CTM manual -- containing the instructions and forms for your first ten speech projects -- along with supporting documents that give guidance on different aspects of public speaking. You'll also receive a monthly subscription to The Toastmaster, a magazine packed with informative articles and user feedback.
Through your involvement with Toastmasters, you'll network with other ambitious people, learn to be a better leader (you can volunteer to chair meetings or take on officer roles), and pick up lots of valuable insights -- particularly from the interesting subjects and perspectives other club members present in their speeches.
Q6: How do I start my first speech?
No problem, once you sign-up and pay your dues, the you will get a new member kit that has everything you will need to get started!
Q7: Is it for experts or novices?
Both. We welcome -- and learn from -- people at all skill levels.
Q8: How soon will I see results?
That depends on how serious you are about improving your public speaking. Try to deliver one prepared speech per month. And volunteer for a role at each meeting you attend.
Q9: Do I need to attend every meeting and is there a dress code?
No, but aim for at least three per month and you do not need to dress up.
Q10: Is participation mandatory?
No. New members usually sit in on a meeting or two, to get a feel for how it all works.
Nonetheless, public speaking is not a spectator sport. You might pick up one or two things by watching, but it's like any other skill you wish to develop: you need to participate. For example, would you expect to improve as a golfer just by watching? That's unlikely. You have to swing that club in the right environment -- on a regular basis. So it is with public speaking: you need to practice in front of people on a regular basis.
