I recently interviewed my father – a member and regular frequenter of Toastmasters – and got some information from him about what it would be like to go to one of these meetings for the first time.
I know there's a lot of people who want to attend a toastmasters event but are too scared to actually go. The whole point of Toastmasters is to become more confident in public speaking so it really is a great thing to become involved in.
Here’s some information about what it is like to go to a Toastmasters meeting for the first time.
Toastmasters around the world
There are approximately 14,500 Toastmasters clubs in 122 countries around the world.
It's a fairly big organisation that serves the purpose of instilling confidence. It brings people forward and helps them with their public speaking skills for both their working and personal lives.
There’s probably going to be a Toastmasters near you regardless of where you live.
Public speaking and learning how to do that is very important if we want to get ahead in life. Toastmasters is also a great way of meeting new people with a common interest. So do explore your area and see what you can find.
Finding Toastmasters
Finding a Toastmasters meeting could be as simple as doing a search on Google. Look around your local area. There might be three or four within your region.
You could otherwise find a friend or colleague who already participates. You could then attend a meeting as their invited guest. You don’t have to join the club in order to see what the meetings are like.
Be a guest of Toastmasters…
You would be introduced to the members of the meeting upon your arrival. But you then would have the option to speak and take part or to simply observe the proceedings. The choice is yours.
…Or show up alone
You don’t have to be a guest – or a member – in order to see what a Toastmaster meeting is like.
Many people will travel to different cities to see what their Toastmasters clubs are like and will be welcomed warmly.
You can just turn up at any club. And there is no need to RSVP. Just turn up!
Visit different Toastmasters Clubs
It’s a good idea is to look at a couple of different clubs before you join any. Some of the clubs are structured differently to others. Some are more formal and some are more informal. Some will have as few as six members and others could have over two dozen. There are also different zone meetings where things get bigger and you go down to different area competitions.
Go to a couple of clubs and see which one you like.
The thing about Toastmasters is that they will welcome you in with open arms. There's no ownership of Toastmasters. It is owned by the members – the more, the merrier. They're going to welcome you. It's all about bringing people on.
Dress code
There is no strict dress code at Toastmasters.
This could be affected by the clubs’ premises. My father’s Toastmasters meetings are held in a licensed RSL Club at Cronulla. So obviously you need to be fairly well presented when you turn up.
But it’s important to be comfortable. This will make you more confident.
Smart-casual is usually a good choice. You’ll feel comfortable and you’ll fit in easily.
Meeting proceedings
Every club will have slightly different proceedings.
My father’s Cronulla Toastmasters meetings start with a fairly formal structure.
Business meeting
First is a business meeting. They look at correspondence and see what information has been sent in from Toastmasters International.
They will address any pressing issues. This could include things like raising money to buy a new microphone or discussing the filming of members’ speeches.
Table Topics
Then after the formalities are over they have “Table Topics”.
This activity is based on impromptu speaking.