This is a FreeToastHost.org website.
Main Menu
For more information on Toastmasters International, visit toastmasters.org
Articles
Members Only
|
Membership Information Page
Membership Information
Here's an open invitation to drop by on any Thursday evening during our club season and see for yourself what a fun-filled, learning experience Stoney Creek Toastmasters can provide. (Directions to our club are provided on the Directions link on the left sidebar).
Meeting Times
Our meetings are on Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:00, and are held during the period from September (the first Thursday after Labour Day) to the beginning of June, with a break for Christmas and New Year.
First Visit
Relax. Take it in. Watch and listen. We love a bigger audience, the more the merrier. You won't have to do a thing, however, if you feel up to it you can join in the Table Topics round if you choose (we encourage you to try). Notice that the meeting roles, eg. Chairperson, etc., are performed by club members who have attended more than a few meetings. There's a brief social break in the middle of the meeting and lots of chatter. Enjoy.
Membership Fee
The membership fee is $140 per year plus a one time initiation fee of $40 which includes a basic manual outlining 10 speech projects, The Competent Communicator, a subscription to the Toastmasters Magazine, and an opportunity to participate in all phases of weekly meetings. Joining in midterm will have the dues reduced proportionately.
The Basic ProgramYou decide how quickly or slowly you want to work your way through the Competent Communicator manual. This manual is designed to have you focus on different aspects of communication and delivery, and lead you to become a more accomplished communicator along the way. Everyone works at his or her own speed. Speeches from this manual are brief, usually 5 to 7 minutes, and they may be about any subject you wish although Toastmasters encourages members to choose subjects appropriate and appealing to your audience. Upon completion of all 10 speeches, you will earn the Competent Communicator Award. The club also has additional resources such as books and video equipment should you like to make use of these. The Advanced ProgramUpon achieving your Competent Communicator Award, you may choose to continue with any of the advanced Toastmaster Manuals (Storytelling, Management, Humorous, Interpretive Reading, Sales, Public Relations, etc.) Speeches from the Advanced Manuals tend to be longer than in the Basic Program, and usually are 10-15 minutes long. In addition to the advanced programs, (Bronze, Silver and Gold), Toastmasters also provides modules for Leadership training towards the Competent Leader and Distinguished Toastmaster designations. For full details of the various advanced programs that are available, you can refer to the following link Toastmaster Programs
What happens at a typical meeting?
The format may vary slightly but the basics include:
• Opening remarks by the Chairperson for the evening.
• Impromptu speeches from members (also known as Table Topics)
• Brief business section (Parliamentary procedures might be practiced)
• Introduction of speakers by the Toastmaster for the evening
• Prepared speeches from members, usually 2 - 4 per meeting
• Introduction of the Evaluators by the General Evaluator
• Oral evaluations of the prepared speeches
• Brief reports from timer, grammarian, ah-counter, General Evaluator
What other opportunities does Stoney Creek Toastmasters offer?
A typical Toastmaster evening includes many opportunities to build your abilities and confidence. At different meetings, you will learn to evaluate others verbally, give impromptu speeches, propose toasts, participate in business sessions and even lead meetings. Stoney Creek Toastmasters tries to make each meeting different and exciting! In addition, we have regular district and regional contests in different categories throughout the year. Wouldn't you like to become "Toastmaster of the Year"?
Do I have to attend every meeting?
Attendance is voluntary to all meetings. Many of our members cannot attend every meeting, however, consistent attendance adds to the learning experience. The more you participate, the greater the benefit you will receive.
May I bring a guest myself?
Certainly! Guests are always welcome. A friendly and supportive environment will build your confidence and improve your speaking and leadership skills.
If you still don't know whether you'd like Toastmasters, why not visit a Stoney Creek Toastmasters meeting to see what it is like? Please drop us a note if you plan to come out to this weeks' meeting and we would love to welcome you at the door.
If after the meeting you still don't think it's for you, we'll still be happy that you came by. We welcome you to Stoney Creek Toastmasters and hope to see you as a guest and a member.
|
