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1. What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters International is a non-profit worldwide educational organization. Its mission is to improve the communication and leadership skills of its members. The organization has over 12,000 clubs worldwide and 235,000 members. 99% of all the people involved in Toastmasters are volunteers, but the organization does have a business office (world headquarters) in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
2. Why is it called Toastmasters?
The name "Toastmasters" reflects the origins of the organization in the early 1920s - a time when after-dinner speaking was one of the most common forms of public speaking. Today, Toastmasters has taken on the more modern requirements of public speaking: sales calls, training seminars, business presentations, school presentations, etc. Think of Toastmasters as a public speaking practice session. There is no need to bring a bottle of wine!
3. What is the mission of a Toastmasters club?
"The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a supportive learning environment for its members to develop public speaking and leadership skills, which foster self-confidence and personal growth."
4. Who comes to Eagle Toastmasters (ETM) Meetings?
The Eagles are a very diverse group. Members come from all sorts of backgrounds. We have artists, entrepreneurs, bankers, career coaches, students, financial planners, IT professionals, teachers, etc. Although most of the group are in their 20's, 30's and 40's we welcome members of all ages.
5. Can I come along even though I am not a good speaker?
Yes, especially if you are not a good speaker. Many of our members start out very uncomfortable in front of an audience. But with an accommodating environment, friendly coaching and excellent role models, most people quickly grow into capable, competent and persuasive speakers. Many of our members speak in their professional lives, and bring back tremendous experience to share with the group.
6. Is there a dress code for your club meetings?
While we won't kick anyone out for wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a professional appearance can have a significant positive effect on the way the audience perceives a speaker. Our members take pride in projecting confidence while speaking, and business casual is the most common (and preferred) style of dress.
7. How many people attend a meeting?
The meeting sizes vary from one to another. Typically there are between 20 to 30 people at a given meeting. Sometimes, however, we have a much larger group, when everyone invites a guest or two.
The first half of the meeting is devoted to Table Topics in which members and guests volunteer to give a 1 to 2 minute extemporaneous talk on a topic provided to them. This is followed by a 10 minute networking break where you can talk with other members and guests. The second half of the meeting is devoted to prepared speeches by members. A typical meeting has four speakers each giving a 5 to 7 minute speech. The meeting concludes with evaluations of the scheduled speakers and the overall meeting. Please peruse our meeting agenda for a minute by minute breakdown of a typical meeting.
9. How does ETM help me to develop my skills?
At each meeting, every member will have a chance to speak in front of people through impromptu speeches, scheduled speeches, or the execution of a role as club officer (Toastmaster of the Day; General Evaluator; Ah Counter; Grammarian; Time Keeper; or Speech Evaluator. Serving as club officers also help members develop their leadership skills.
10. What is the club atmosphere like?
Meetings are friendly and lively with plenty of encouragement and support for each other. You will learn a lot and laugh aplenty as you listen to the stories, experiences, and ideas of fellow members. Expect to make many good friends, and build a strong network when you become part of our club. The key thing to note is that we learn by doing, in a warm and supportive environment.
11. How do I join ETM?
Membership is open to all, and we invite you to come along and take part in a meeting as a guest. Usually we ask potential members to come a couple of times before we offer membership.
ETM is the first and one of only two clubs in Nigeria. What that means is that there may be a wait to join the club. But if you are in a hurry to join a club, nothing stops you starting a club in your organization or community. We are more than happy to take you through the process of starting a club.
12. What do I get for my membership?
You get a packet of materials to help guide you through your first ten speeches, a subscription to “Toastmaster” magazine, and a welcome package of materials from the club to get you started. Here are some of the other benefits of joining:
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13. If I join, will you make me speak right away?
No. You will not be asked to speak unless you're ready to, although you will probably find that the supportive atmosphere helps to melt away those first speech butterflies. Our club attempts to arrange the meeting schedules in such a way that most members are involved in some capacity at each meeting, so just let one of the officers know what your comfort level is.
14. Do I get to choose the topics of my speeches?
Yes, you can speak on any subject. But to help guide your development, there is a ten speech program designed to develop particular speaking skills. You begin by talking about yourself, and then progress to more difficult speeches. We have a collection of Internet links if you need help choosing a topic.
15. How will I know how well I’m doing?
After each speech you will be evaluated by a fellow member. Our evaluations are constructive and supportive, seeking to encourage you along your journey of self development. A good evaluation will give you one or two tips to keep in mind for enhancing your next speech.
16. How dedicated is a member expected to be?
It completely depends on your own initiative. It is recommended that you sign up for speeches or different meeting roles on a regular basis. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. After all, everyone in the club wants you to be a better and more effective speaker.
17. What are the fees for membership?
Dues are $150 and N10,000 yearly for membership and upkeep of the club. New members will receive a new member kit, which will be sent by mail from Toastmasters International within 2-3 weeks of joining. All members receive 'The Toastmaster' magazine from Toastmasters International each month.
Further information and an application packet may be obtained from the President or VP of Membership at any of the club meetings
18. Who are the current club leaders?
Please check out our club officers page for more information about the club's leaders.
19. Does your club have a mentor program?
We have a number of senior members who would be happy to mentor new speakers. They can help you come up with topics, organize your speech, and provide support when you give the speech
20. What if I have a question that’s not included here?
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact any of our club officers who will be able to help.
