Home	Last Updated: July 23, 2006

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Toastmasters program exposes each participant to a wide range of communication experiences.

Each new Toastmaster receives a New Member Kit. The kit features a copy of the Competent Communicator Manual , a copy of the Competent 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, as outlined in the Competent Communicator Manual, are designed with the new Toastmaster in mind. A variety of assigned speeches help members develop competency in areas such as organization, voice inflection and persuasiveness

The Competent Leader Manual, introduced in January 2006, recognizes that a club meeting is like a workshop and members learn by filling meeting roles. A variety of leadership projects help members develop competency in various meeting roles.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETINGS?

A Toastmasters club meeting consists of three basic parts. First we have Table Topics, where members and guests have the opportunity to deliver unprepared speeches. Next we have prepared speeches delivered by members working their way through the Toastmasters speech program. Finally, fellow members evaluate the prepared speeches, pointing out points for improvement as well as positive aspects of the speech.

WHAT IS TABLE TOPICS?

In this section of the meeting, members and guests have the opportunity to present one-minute impromptu speeches on a variety of subjects. This is a valuable way of developing the skill of "thinking on your feet", and coping with life's unexpected circumstances.

WHAT IS THE COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR PROGRAM?

During the prepared speeches section of the meeting, members present speeches they have prepared on topics of their own choosing. Each speech is based on a project in the Competent Communicator Program or the Advanced Communicator Program. In the Competent Communicator Program, each speech is designed to help Toastmasters develop specific speaking skills, such as body language, speech structure and vocal variety. In the Advanced Program, Toastmasters can develop more specialised speaking skills, such as technical presentations, speaking to inform and storytelling.

WHAT IS THE COMPETENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM?

Every Toastmaster meeting requires many members to perform various leadership and supporting roles. Each project in the Competent Leadership manual is based on a meeting role. Members may receive recognition for completing projects in this manual and earn the Competent Leader award. In the Competent Leadership Program, each project is designed to help Toastmasters develop specific leadership skills, such as being Chair, Table Topics Master, Toastmaster, General Evaluator, (speech) Evaluator, Timer or any one of many other roles.

WHAT ARE EVALUATIONS?

Each prepared speech is given an oral and written evaluation by a fellow member in a constructive manner, using evaluation criteria specific to the speech project. The evaluator points out positive aspects of the speech, and recommends points for improvement. In addition, club members and guests are invited to submit written feedback to each speaker.

HOW CAN TOASTMASTERS BUILD CONFIDENCE?

Today you may be more comfortable communicating by email or telephone than communicating face to face. Speaking to large or small groups, or even one-to-one, can be intimidating and frightening. In Toastmasters you will learn how to successfully formulate, express and sell your ideas and yourself, and control the nervousness you may feel when called upon to speak. You will improve your ability to listen to and evaluate other people's ideas, and you will learn leadership skills along the way. By joining a Toastmasters club, you will embark on a journey that will greatly improve your life.

WHAT LEADERSHIP TRAINING IS PROVIDED?

You will learn more than just communication skills in Toastmasters. You will build leadership skills when you organise and conduct club meetings and motivate fellow members to help you. You can develop additional skills by serving as a club officer, formulating and implementing plans to help the club and its members meet their goals. You may also serve as a District officer, and complete the High Performance Leadership Program by working on a leadership project of your choice.

WHAT ARE THE COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP TRACKS?

After you have completed all ten projects in the Competent Communicator Program manual, you will receive the Competent Communicator (CC) award. You will receive a certificate and two Advanced Communicator Program manuals of your choice. You may also request Toastmasters International to send a letter about your accomplishment to your employer.

After achievement of the CC award, you can follow the Advanced Communicator track to further your development. By completing additional projects you can be recognised as an Advanced Communicator Bronze, Advanced Communicator Silver and Advanced Communicator Gold. For each of these awards, you will be required to complete two Advanced Communicator Program manuals, each comprising five speech projects.

In the Leadership Track, you can be recognised as a Competent Leader by completing the Competent Leadership manual. You can be recognized as an Advanced Leader by delivering educational presentations to your club, performing as Club or District officers and completing the High Performance Leadership Program.

The Communication and Leadership tracks are not mutually exclusive. We encourage members to work on both tracks simultaneously. When both tracks have been completed successfully, you will receive the ultimate Toastmasters recognition: the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award.

The Names "Toastmasters International", "Toastmasters", and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks protected in the United States, Canada, and other countries where Toastmasters Clubs exist. Unauthorized use is prohibited.