FAQs

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 20 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 last 2 hours and usually include a short period of extemporaneous speaking called "Table Topics" followed by 4 prepared speeches. This is followed by the evaluation portion, during which each speech is given a short evaluation. Finally, the Club President leads a short business meeting and then the Toastmaster presents the awards for the evening (best speaker, most enthusiastic helper, and best table topics).

On the 5th Wednesday of the month, when there is one, we have an "educational meeting." This meeting is in a didactic format where one or more members will give 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.

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 alot 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 20 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 Ernie Pollitzer, 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 $45 for each 6 month period (April-Sept; Oct-Mar). This includes $27 that goes to Toastmasters Int'l ($4.50/month prorated for new members) and $18 that goes to the President's Club ($3.00/month prorated for new members)

Once you have signed up, Judy Anderson, 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 Tom Nixon, the Club President