Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at a Club Meeting?
A typical meeting will be hosted by a Toastmaster of the Day and includes an invocation, presentations by several prepared speakers, a Table Topics session of short impromptu speeches, a constructive evaluation period, and a short business meeting. All Clubs have a different personality and the order of the meeting agenda may differ from club to club. See the sample meeting agenda and the description of How the Toastmasters Program Works.

What is the cost?
Dues for existing Voices In Unity members is $33.00 paid semi-annually in March and September. New members will pay a prorated dues amount of $5.50 per month. New member kits (a one-time expense) are $20.00 and include the Basic Communication and Leadership Manuals and additional reference material.   Note: The amount of dues varies from club to club. New member kits and dues for Toastmasters International are fixed amounts: $4.50 per month for dues and $20.00 for kits. Club dues and club new member fees, if applicable, are determined by each individual club based on their budget and activities.

Where do we meet?
Our club meets in a lower level meeting room of Unity Christ Church which is located at 33 N. Skinker (corner of Forsyth & Skinker). Enter through the doors from the parking lot on the west side of the building. Link to map and directions.

How do I join the Club?
You can get started right away! Please speak to the Vice President of Membership or any Club Officer at a meeting and they will answer any questions you may have and provide a membership application form. Alternately, if you wish to view or start filling out the application, it is available in PDF form. The completed application form and dues should be given to the Club Treasurer. During the next business meeting, your application will be brought before the Club members. Toastmasters International will process approved membership applications and send information and the New Member Kit, if applicable, to you.

What is the Mission of our Toastmasters Club?
The mission of a 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.

How Does the Toastmasters Program Work?
A Toastmasters club is a 'learn-by-doing' experience. You learn by participating. During club meetings you will participate in many roles and each one is a learning experience. Link to more information about meeting functionary roles.

• Each new Toastmaster receives a New-Member Kit. The kit features a copy of the Basic Communication and Leadership manual, general orientation materials and information regarding skill improvement in areas such as speech evaluation and the use of gestures.
• The initial prepared speeches are outlined in the Basic Communication program manual and are designed with the new Toastmaster in mind.
• A variety of assigned speeches help the participant develop competency in areas such as organization, voice inflection and persuasiveness.
• During the meeting's Table Topics session, members learn to think on their feet by delivering short impromptu speeches, lasting one to two minutes.
• After giving a prepared speech, each Toastmaster receives a constructive speech evaluation. This process recognizes speakers for their strengths and provides valuable insight into problem areas.
• Upon completion of the Basic Communication program, Toastmasters may participate in the Advanced Communication and Leadership programs. Participants may choose from specific business oriented topics such as Speeches by Management and Technical Presentations.
• Workshop style Success/Leadership programs are also available, offering opportunities for further skill development in areas such as leadership, public speaking and conducting business meetings.

Effective communication and leadership cannot be learned in a day. It takes practice. In Toastmasters, members build these skills by organizing and conducting meetings and motivating others to help them. Members learn to speak simply by speaking, they learn leadership by leading.

Career success depends on communication. As individuals and employees, we face an endless exchange of ideas, messages, and information as we deal with one another, co-workers and customers day after day. Toastmasters provides the tools that enable us to become effective communicators and leaders.

Link to more information about the educational tracks.

Additional information about the Toastmasters Program and Toastmasters International is available from the FAQ Link of the Area 19 Pages.