The Why and What of Toastmasters



Just in case you were wondering why people would join an organization like ours, or what happens within our meetings - your questions will be answered here.



Why would someone join Toastmasters?


arrowGet over the fear of speaking
arrowDevelop the art of communicating
arrowSelf-actualization (self-expression)
arrowLearn to think and communicate more quickly
arrowFoster human understanding
arrowIncrease comfort level by giving talks
arrowImprove ability to listen
arrowDecrease ahs, ums, and other space fillers
arrowIncrease ability to speak more clearly and concisely
arrowImprove interpersonal relationship skills
arrowPresent ideas more understandably
arrowDevelop leadership skills
arrowLearn to evaluate constructively and positively
arrowPractice parliamentary procedures and rules of order
arrowLearn to motivate
arrowLearn to be more assertive without being aggressive
arrowDevelop a more positive outlook on life
arrowTalk about things that are important to you
arrowImprove your social and networking skills
arrowDevelop professional credentials by achieving goals
arrowImprove confidence and poise for interviews


- Toastmasters -
Not Your Typical Educational Setting



It's been said that "the secret of success is to prepare oneself for opportunity when it comes". Even though many people have failed to grasp this concept, there are educational organizations that can help those who wish to prepare themselves, or those who desire to continually search for self-improvement.

Toastmaster clubs offer a different environment from the traditional classroom training that most are familiar. As such, common questions asked of those who attend a Toastmasters meeting generally include "How was the training" or "What did you learn?" These questions are met with confusion because even though there is a structure, it is not of the "sit down, take notes" variety. Toastmasters Int. supplies its membership with manuals that set forth a path allowing the membership to improve itself. Whether it is speaking, analyzing, leading or listening, we learn. This process is not a subjective one, but rather an objective form of education.

sp We, as individuals and as a group, gain from the talents of the membership. This incorporated with the instruction and guidelines put forth by Toastmasters Int. make for a more fulfilling educational experience allowing for diversity between groups. Therefore, it is recommended that you find a group whose personality suits yours to better facilitate your personal development.



What happens during a Toastmasters meeting?


The goal of each meeting is to give every member an opportunity to speak. A typical Toastmasters meeting is divided into three sessions:



Table Topics:


Toastmasters are given a subject or question upon which they must speak extemporaneously for 2 minutes. Guests are welcome to participate and answer a question. This is a great way to practice answering unexpected questions and impromptu speaking.



Prepared Speeches:


Working from manuals supplied by Toastmasters International, 1-3 members (per meeting) present speeches designed to develop specific skills. These speeches allow our members to gain experience in speaking in front of a group, as well as in preparing a speech.



Evaluations:


Speakers get immediate feedback on how well they accomplished their assigned objectives. Each speech has a specific goal that is emphasized in the evaluation, as well as in the general presentation.



Other Meeting Occurrences:


sp A General Evaluator offers a critique of the meeting as a whole. Each of our meetings has a short business session, which gives members a chance to practice parliamentary procedure. Besides speaking, each member will also have the opportunity to serve as Toastmaster, Table Topic Master, Evaluator, General Evaluator, etc., which are rotated among members to provide a variety of experiences.




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