Why should I join Toastmasters?
Most people join to develop their public speaking skills. Many people have a fear of public speaking, and the supportive enviroment we provide is the perfect place to learn to manage those fears. You may always have butterflies in your stomach, but you can teach them to fly in formation.
I want to attend a meeting. What should I do?
Please contact email address given at "find us " page for information.
I am a guest. Will I be asked to speak?
Guests are asked to stand up and introduce themselves at the start of the meeting. At the end of the meeting, they are asked again to stand up to give their input on the meeting. During the table topics portion of the meeting, guests may be called on to speak on a certain topic for 30 to 90 seconds. If they feel uncomfortable responding, they have the option of passing.
What is the format of the meeting, and what is Table Topics?
Click here for Visitor Info.
Can I bring food or drinks to the meeting?
Eating a meal during the meeting is not allowed. A drink or a light snack, however, is fine.
How many people usually attend a meeting?
It depends on the season, weather and other factors. There could be as little as 15 people, or as many as 50. On average, around 25 people attend our club.
What kind of people may I expect to find at your club meetings?
Our club attracts people from various career fields, age groups, and racial backgrounds. Guests have often described our group as energetic, fun, and supportive of each other. Several guests have also commented on the useful feedback our group members give. Feel free to come to one of our meetings and find out for yourself.
How do I join the club?
Please contact Vice President of Membership, Anouk MacKenzie <anoukmackenzie at hotmail dot com> and ask her for an application.
How much is membership?
Membership initiation fee (one time only): $15 (plus tax)
6-month membership fee: $49
(prorated for new members)
When are regular membership fees due?
Dues are collected twice a year, once in September (for the October to March membership period), and again in March (for the April to September membership period).
Hey, I just joined the club. Why do I have to pay my dues again?
When you first joined our club, you were asked to pay an amount that is comprised of 2 parts. Part, and in some cases, most of what you paid is for the membership initiation fee. The other amount you pay is for the prorated membership fee for the last membership period. You are now asked to pay the regular membership fee for the upcoming 6-month period.
I am scheduled to speak, but I am not ready or I have a scheduling conflict. What should I do?
It is your responsibility to notify the Toastmaster who is scheduled to host the meeting on the day you are supposed to speak, and try to find a replacement for your role. It is usually easiest to recruit a replacement when you give potential replacements more notice.
How is Toastmasters structured? What kinds of programs are offered to help me develop?
The Communication Track
This track is dedicated to improving speaking and listening skills. The
core of the communication track is the Communication and Leadership Program
manual (aka the "Basic Manual"), which contains 10 speech
projects. Every new member is sent the basic manual and three other
manuals: Your Speaking Voice, Effective Speech Evaluation, and Gestures: Your
Body Speaks.
The Leadership Track
This track focuses on development of leadership skills through a variety of
club activities. You can serve as a Club leader, developing skills in
planning, training, motivating, and managing. You even can become a
District leader, where these skills are further enhanced. You also can
participate in the "High Performance Leadership: program, which
requires you to conduct a project of your choice in which you serve as a
leader. The program provides study material and activities to complete.
