Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Toastmasters Program?
The Toastmasters Program is all about your growth and personal development. Toastmasters can help you lose the fear of speaking in public and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path in life you choose. For information about the organizational structure of a Club, see FAQ lower on this page.
How Does the Program Work?
A Toastmasters club is a "learn-by-doing" workshop. 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 and club structure.
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.
What is the Mission of Toastmasters International?
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking - vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
What is the cost?
New member kits and dues for Toastmasters International are fixed amounts: $4.50 per month for dues and $20.00 for kits. The amount of monthly club dues varies from club to club. Club dues and club new member fees, if applicable, are determined by each individual club based on their budget and activities. Inquire about specifics from each club you visit. Link to an explanation of fees.
Why is the Toastmasters Program so successful?
Toastmasters International's success and growth is due in large part to the continued development of its educational programs. Toastmasters International's education system includes both a communication track and a leadership track.
Attending a Club Meeting...what do I need to know?
A typical meeting will be hosted by a Toastmaster of the Day and include 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. The day, time and location of each club's meetings are posted for your convenience. Please feel free to visit several clubs. Link to more information about club structure and meeting roles. Link to club meeting schedules.
What is the Mission of a 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.
What is the organizational structure of a Toastmasters Club?
Clubs are governed by a Constitution and Bylaws. Select the following link to view and/or print the Standard Club Constitution and Bylaws in a separate window (PDF Document). Click Here to download the free software if you need it. Note: PDF files may take a while to load depending on the speed of your internet connection.
