Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters are members of a world wide non-profit organization dedicated to helping people develop the skills to become better leaders, better listeners and be better at communications in general.

How is Toastmasters organized?

The Toastmasters International Headquarters is located in Mission Viejo, California. The organization is broken down into Regions, Districts, Divisions, Areas and clubs.

How can I locate a Toastmaster's Club?

A list of all clubs can be found at www.toastmasters.org Search for a Toastmaster Club using any search engine.

Am I required to be a member to attend meetings?

Most Clubs would welcome your attendance at the first several meetings while you decide if you would like to join. Clubs are divided into open clubs and closed clubs. An open club is as it implies. Whether or not you need to call first will probably be listed on their website. Most clubs would give you a warm welcome. Some clubs were chartered specifically for a company's employees, and would not be open to the public, as are Advanced Clubs. Meetings in open clubs are designed to give the visitor a comfort zone. Visitors are usually invited to join the fun, but no visitor is required to speak to the group.

Please explain what happens during a meeting.

Superiorland Toastmasters take pride in beginning and ending meetings on time. This is not always possible, but we usually come very close. There is an agenda set prior to the meeting, and it is followed. Every part of the meeting is prepared and timed. Even impromptu speeches have an element of preparation. Each member is asked to take part in every meeting. Visitors are given the option, and are by no means required to speak to the group.

What are prepared speeches?

At each meeting there are members that volunteer to give a presentation. These presentations are sometimes called prepared speeches. Each presentation/speech is based on a Toastmaster manual lesson. Each lesson is designed to teach the participant something specific. This could be voice inflection, word choices, or organization, to name a few. Click here to learn more about the various manuals used in Toastmasters.

What is an evaluation?

In an effort to improve, each segment of a meeting is assessed. Member's presentations are appraised according to a predetermined set of criteria. It is required that this be done in a non-judgmental manner. Everything we do is aimed at improving ourselves. We make every effort to be constructive and kind. Kindness is one aspect of being a good communicator.

Why time everything that is done?

Being a good speaker includes knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to stop talking.

Why are the meetings so rigid?

A good speaker makes use of the time allowed. There are often limits on speakers -- at seminars, conferences, ministers, and teachers. Setting time limits is a tool used to help us reach our goal of being succinct. It is also a method of assuring the meeting will conclude at a preset time.

How can Toastmasters help me if I am already afraid to speak in front of others?

The Club Mission Statement addresses this issue. "The mission of our Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth." The common thread among all persons present is their common knowledge that they need assistance in learning new communication skills. You will not beforced to give a presentation until you are ready to speak in front of the club members.

How do I join?

A list of the Superiorland Toastmaster Officers is listed on the Joining Toastmaster page. You can contact any one of them. You are also welcome to visit our club meetings at any time.

Do I have to pay dues?

Superiorland Toastmasters Club 3834 Local Dues are $24.00 per year. International Toastmaster Dues are $54.00 per year. There is also a one-time membership fee of $20.00. You pay this one-time fee only once in your lifetime. If you move across the country and cannot attend club meetings, you are still a Toastmaster for life. When you are ready to attend meetings again, contact a local club. You have only to pay the local and international annual dues, no membership fee. Dues are not tax deductible, but gifts to your club are deductible.

How do I start giving speeches?

When you become a member you receive a new membership packet. This packet will contain the beginner's manual, Communication and Leadership Program, which contains instructions for the 10 speeches required to earn a Competent Toastmaster (CTM). At Superiorland Toastmasters you can sign up as soon as you are ready to begin. Sign-up sheets are circulated at every meeting. Or, you can notify the VP/Education. He/she will place your name on the agenda.

Where else can I get information?

There are many toastmaster sites and most have some very good information. Surf to find the information you need. Just type 'Toastmasters' in your search window. Visit a variety of Toastmaster's club sites, as they all contain different information. There is simply too much information for one website to cover it all. You can also contact Superiorland Toastmasters at superiorlandtm@yahoo.com

 

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