How does a meeting work?

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing environment in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a supportive, no-risk atmosphere. Members take on a variety of roles which range from giving a speech to evaluating other speakers. A typical club has 20 to 30 members meeting every week or every two weeks with meetings lasting one to two hours. All Toastmasters meetings are comprised of speakers at different speaking levels with the commonality being a desire to improve as a speaker and communicator.

Depending on the club there may be anywhere from 15 – 25 people at a meeting. Each meeting consists of three main segments all of which serve a particular purpose – including prepared speeches, Table Topics, and evaluations.

The prepared speaking segment typically consists of three to four speakers who deliver a five to seven minute speeches that are developed beforehand. To build a well rounded skill set, people use manuals from Toastmasters International which suggest topics and types of speeches to present. Each focuses on the development of a specific skill such as storytelling, use of space, gestures or effective use of visual aids. Each subsequent speech builds on what you just learned.

The second segment is “Table Topics”. Table Topics gives members the opportunity to develop their impromptu speaking ability. Members are given a topic to speak about and then take one to two minutes to deliver a mini speech. Although some members view this as the most challenging section, many realize that it also offers the greatest rewards for growth and critical thinking.

The last segment is the evaluation portion of the meeting. All speakers are given feedback on what went well and offered constructive feedback on areas for further development. The feedback process is a key part of growing as a speaker and is fundamental to the program’s success. The bedrock of Toastmasters is a fun, supportive environment that allows people to grow and succeed as speakers.

Will I be pressured or will I have to get up and talk?

You will never be pressured to do anything. This is a supportive, pressure-free environment where you move at your own pace. Some people want to talk at their second or third meeting – others wait for months.

To view an actual meeting agenda please click here. We actively welcome new members and invite you to observe a meeting.