What to Expect

What is a Meeting Like?

Meetings typically begin with three prepared speeches at the beginning of the meeting. Then we have a Table Topics session that allows us to practice our impromptu speaking skills. These mini speeches are 1-2 minutes long. It is our custom to invite guests to participate in answering a Table Topics question – but you are welcome to decline if you’d rather observe only for your first meeting. We take a quick social break for snacks and refreshments. And then the rest of the meeting covers evaluations by people who were assigned to evaluate the evening’s speakers.

Feel free to join us as a guest to see for yourself.

What Do the Colored Cards Mean?

During the meeting, you will see a person in the back of the room who holds up green, yellow and red flags at certain intervals. This is our timer. This person assists the speakers in keeping within their allotted speaking time. For example, a speaker is giving a speech that has a range of 4 to 6 minutes. The timer will raise the green card at 4 minutes – the minimum range of their speech time. The timer will raise the yellow card at 5 minutes – the midpoint of their speech time. And finally, the timer will raise the red card at 6 minutes – the endpoint of their speech and the speaker should wrap it up.

How Does Toastmasters Work?

Speeches. Upon joining, one of your goals is to complete the ten speech projects in the Competent Communication manual. The projects are specifically designed to gradually step you through the process of improving your speaking skills. Each time you give a speech you will become more self-confident and grow as a speaker. Your first speech is your “Ice Breaker.” It’s a short speech of 4-6 minutes about yourself. We start with you as a subject because who is more of an expert on you than you? Since you know your subject so well, you can start focusing on relaxing and trying to get comfortable speaking in front of others.

Mentor. You will be assigned a mentor from your club – a seasoned Toastmaster who will help you prepare for your speeches. It is your choice whether or not to utilize this person’s help.

Evaluator. When you deliver your first speech, you will be assigned an evaluator who will pay special attention to your speech and provide you with feedback regarding what you did well and things you might consider adjusting the next time you get up to speak. This feedback process is designed to be a positive experience – to motivate and encourage you. You will always have the support of other club member volunteers. We have all been in your beginner’s shoes, know exactly how it feels, and can show you the ropes.