Our meeting includes a short business meeting followed by an education program. The education program provides an opportunity for all members attending the meeting to practice their speaking skills. Normally we have four to six prepared presentations given by members. Each presentation receives an oral evaluation by another member as well as written comments from the remaining members.
It is our policy that all members at a meeting have an opportunity to speak during the meeting. Those members without a major speaking role in the meeting participate in table topics. Table topics are designed to help improve our listening, thinking, and speaking skills. A member states the topic. Other members listen to the topic and think about it. If their name is called they stand and speak extemporaneously about the topic for two minutes. Following table topics everyone votes for the person they feel gave the best presentation on their topic.
Following table topics some members give prepared presentations. These presentations are based on projects from the communication and leadership manuals developed by Toastmasters International. Each project is designed to help the speaker develop certain skills by meeting the projects objectives.
To become a member you must attend three meetings before requesting membership. You can do this by telling any member that you would like to join the club. Once the club has received your application and initial dues payment of $57, you and other non-Toastmaster guests will be asked to leave the room while the club votes on your membership. After you become a member you will be able to participate in the weekly program.
As a guest, you don't have to be invited. Just show up. Dress is business casual except for those giving presentations. At the end of the meeting you will be given an opportunity to comment if you choose. We dont embarrass anyone by forcing them to stand and speak, but since youve been sitting in the meeting for two hours you may have something youd like to say.
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