Visitors' FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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What is Toastmasters? It's an international non-profit
organization dedicated to helping people with their speaking, leadership, and
communication skills. Toastmasters can help you lose your fear of public
speaking and improve skills you need to advance in your career. You can get
started by attending a local Toastmasters meeting.
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What is the dress code? Casual, business casual, or business
dress is satisfactory.
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Will I be called on during the meeting? Visitors do not have to
speak during the meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, you can choose to be
introduced and at the end of the meeting we will express our gratitude for you
having visited our club. (Willing visitors may participate in the Table Topics
portion of our meeting.)
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What types of people do you have in your club? Our members range
in age from 20s to 70s, in speaking ability from beginner to advanced, in
profession from unemployed to entrepreneur, in origin from numerous
countries.
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How many people attend your meetings? On average, we have 15
people attend our meetings each week.
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How many people do you have in your club? We average 25-35
members. In our club, there are enough members so that duties are spread among
many participants, but not too many so that it is intimidating. We recommend
that you join a club that is at least "charter-strength" size (at least 20
members, according to Toastmasters International).
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What happens when I first walk in to the meeting? You will be
greeted by a member, asked to sign our visitor roster, and given a name tag.
Any questions you have about the meeting will be answered. You'll have a chance
to meet and talk with several of our members. Our primary goal is to put you at
ease, because we've all been in your shoes, walking into a new club and perhaps
seeing a Toastmasters meeting for the first time. By the end of the meeting,
most visitors tell us how much fun they had.
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What do I get when I join? If one is available, you will
immediately receive a manual from Toastmasters International that will help you
get acquainted with the various meeting duties and the program of speeches.
You'll be listed on our membership roster and apprised of all club news. The
Education officer will find out from you how you would like to begin
participating in the meetings. Usually, you will start out performing easy,
minor duties for a meeting, then work your way into giving your first speech,
the Icebreaker, within a few months of joining (or sooner if you're ready).
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What does it cost to join? The combined annual dues for
International and this club is $48.00. It's payable twice a year ($24.00 each
time) in March and October. For new members, there is a one-time fee of $16.00.
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What do I get for my dues investment? You will receive a New
Member kit from Toastmasters International that includes a membership
certificate, speaking tips and tool lists, and the Communication and Leadership
Manual. You also receive the Toastmaster magazine, and the new member fee
covers your 1st two advanced manuals after you achieve the Competent Leader
certification.
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Do I have to live or work in Manchester to join? No. Some clubs
have restrictions or are associated with a particular corporation. We have no
such affiliation or restrictions.
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If I come to a meeting, do I have to make up my mind about joining that night?
No. The first meeting can be overwhelming for some people. We recommend
you come back a few times if you need to, so you can get to know our group. You
might even want to visit other clubs in the area and find the one that fits you
best.
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If I join, do I have to attend every meeting? No. We know you can
set your own schedule and priorities in life, and there is no requirement to
attend every meeting.
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How long does it take to get on the agenda if I want to give a speech?
Our 2 hour format allows for 4-5 speakers per week, so there's seldom any wait
to get on the agenda. Just contact the VP of Education who manages the
assignments calendar.
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What if I have a question that is not answered here? Email us at
manch@toastmastersnh.org. We'll get you an
answer!
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