Why should I visit the President’s Club rather than another Toastmasters meeting?

We encourage you to find a meeting that is right for you, since every meeting has its own personality. However, we think you’ll find our members extremely welcoming and our meetings well organized and professional. Many of our members find the 1st, 3rd and 5th week meeting time fits better with their busy schedule than a typical weekly meeting. We also usually have about 25 attendees, which is large enough to have a high-quality meeting yet small enough to allow all members to give speeches when they want and develop their skills. Many people who visit seem to end up joining our group!

What should I wear?

Business casual is the recommended attire, although some of us dress more formally. Jeans, flip flops, shorts etc. are not appropriate.

What is the actual meeting like?

Meetings are opened by the Sargent of Arms who greets all attendees. An invocation is given followed by a short business meeting led by the Club President. We than move on to a period of extemporaneous speaking called “Table Topics” where we learn to get up and speak with no preparation. After a short break three to four prepared speeches are presented. This is followed by a short evaluation of each speech. Finally, the Toastmaster presents awards (as voted on by all attendees) for the evenings most Enthusiastic Helper, Best Table Topics Participant, Best Evaluator, and Best Speaker. Meetings last two hours.

When a month has a 5th Wednesday we have an “Educational Meeting.” This meeting provides instruction and information as well as being entertainment as one or more members gives a talk about some aspect of speaking, Toastmasters membership, or related topics.

Can I bring a friend or family member?

Yes! The more the merrier. Teenagers and younger are allowed so long as they have the ability to sit still without disrupting the meeting (this rule applies to adults also).

Will I be asked to speak during the meeting?

You will be asked to introduce yourself and tell us what you think of the meeting. If you do not wish to do that, then just say so. No problem.

I have a lot of experience speaking–can Toastmasters still help me?

Yes. We have some members that have been with us for years and speak regularly to hone their skills and keep them sharp. A couple of our members speak professionally for a living and still benefit from continuing to attend the meeting.

I haven’t had much speaking experience–is that OK?

Absolutely! Our environment is tremendously supportive, and there is no better place, in our opinion, to learn to speak confidently and eloquently. You will have company, since we have members of all different levels of experience, including novices.

How many members typically attend each meeting?

We have about 30 members and usually about 25 attendees. Our members are a diverse group of people, many professionals, some self-employed. Some are extrovert; some are introvert. Some of us are excellent speakers, and the rest of us– well we’re working on it! We have the common interest of wanting to develop our speaking skills.

How and when do I become a member?

People typically become a member after they have attended a couple of times as a guest. To become a member, just ask Judi Rogers, our VP of Membership, to give you a membership application. Fill that out and write a check (see next question). The fees are prorated depending on the time of year that you join.

How much does it cost to join?

A one-time new member fee of $20 covers the basic manual and other information mailed in the new member packet. Regular dues are $60 for each 6 month period (April-Sept; Oct-Mar). This includes $36 that goes to Toastmasters International ($6.00/month prorated for new members) and $24 that goes to the President’s Club ($4.00/month prorated for new members)

Once you have signed up, Rosalyn Dodell, our VP of Education, will give you a packet of info you will find helpful to prepare for your first speech, called “The Icebreaker.”

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact Roslyn Dodell, VP Education.