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 your ahs, ums, and other space fillers
arrowIncrease ability to speak more clearly and concisely
arrowImprove your 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
arrowIncrease your responsibility
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". Unfortunately, many people have failed to grasp this concept. Many educational organizations can help those who wish to prepare themselves or those who desire to continually search for self-improvement. Programs offered by Toastmasters are different from the traditional classroom training.

Common questions asked of those who attend a Toastmasters meeting generally include "How was the training" or "what did you learn?" These questions are often 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 which set fourth a path allowing the membership to improve itself. Whether it is speaking, critiquing, 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 forward by Toastmasters Int., makes for a more fulfilling educational experience and allows for diversity between groups. So, it is recommended that you find a group whose personality suits yours to better facilitate your personal development.



What happens at 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, 1-2 members present speeches designed to develop specific skills. These speechs allow our members to gain experience in speaking in front of a group as well as writing 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 the general presentation.



sp Also, there is a critique of the meeting as a whole by a General Evaluator. A short business session 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. Each assignment is rotated among members to provide a variety of experiences.




© Business and Professional Toastmasters Club #1169


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