It is probably best to begin answering that question by telling you what we are NOT. We are not people wearing red coats who shout at you at posh functions! Toastmasters International is a global non-profit organisation committed to helping 'ordinary' people achieve 'extraordinary' things by boosting their ability to speak in public and acquire a new confidence. We help people switch into a CAN DO mindset.
How can you guarantee that people will improve their speaking skills?
You will see for yourself, the most tongue-tied wallflower developing into a confident, fluent and articulate speaker. There is a minimum of theory at Toastmasters - our members learn by doing. The more you stand up and speak, the more you improve, and the rate at which you improve will be exponential. Every meeting has a number of different speaking opportunities, all of which test and develop different skills.
Does everyone progress at the same rate?
No - because not everyone has the time to attend every meeting, and not every member wants to deliver a prepared speech at every meeting. Those who make the most effort to attend and participate actively get the most out of their membership. They learn by doing and by absorbing the constructive, positive performances and evaluations that form an essential part of the group's DNA: "What I liked about your speech was" and "Have you thought about trying this, that or the other"?
The best way to describe the format is to say it is a mix of improvised and prepared speaking. Each meeting will have a pre-published agenda setting out who is doing what at that meeting. This ensures members and guests follow what is happening and helps the meeting run to time.
Why do people join?
People join for a variety of reasons. They might be preparing to make a one-off speech at a meeting or a work event, or are suddenly faced with the prospect of doing more presentations at work and are looking for help. Some join to conquer crippling shyness or to help overcome a stammer. Some join simply for the social aspects – our meetings are varied and fun!
Do you have to wait till a certain time to join?
No. New members can join at any time of the year, and their subscriptions for the half-year in which they join are calculated on a pro rata basis according to how many months are left in that half-year. A new member joining during the course of any given month will be asked to pay the full subscription due for that month, even if there are only a few days left. The half-year runs from April 1 till September 30, and from October 1 till March 31. All fees are non-refundable.
Who can join?
Anyone aged 18 or over - because members pay fees, and the membership form is in effect a legal contract.
How do I join?
Come and sample the atmosphere at the club. We recruit continually and if you like what you see and think it's for you, there is a simple membership form to complete.
What do I get as a new member?
You will receive a full new member kit from Toastmasters International's world HQ after formal registration there. This contains what we call the basic manual, containing 10 initial speaking projects or challenges designed to take the member from novice to fluency in 10 speeches.
The kit also includes a series of smaller booklets on different aspects of the Toastmasters International experience, including how to evaluate a speech honestly and diplomatically, with the aim of helping your fellow members improve in the way that they will help you improve.
Are there others manuals?
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that there are a total of 15 manuals on offer to those who complete the basic manual and become what we call a Competent Communicator. These 15 manuals cover a range of subjects that will appeal to different people in different circumstances, from entertaining and humorous speakers to people who need to improve their speaking and presentation skills for business purposes. There is quite literally something for everyone!
When can I start?
As soon as you like. We guarantee you a warm, enthusiastic welcome. And no one will exert pressure on you to join. We recognize that some people take longer than others to make up their mind, and you are welcome to attend more than once as a guest, to make sure you are making the right decision.
Do you have awards and qualifications?
You become a Competent Communicator on completion of the 10 projects in the basic manual. When you complete a further two manuals in the advanced collection (each advanced manual has five projects, rather than 10) and fulfill a small number of other criteria you become an Advanced Communicator Bronze. The next levels are AC Silver and AC Gold. If the Competent Communicator programme is like a GCSE in public speaking, ACB is like an A-level, ACS is like a degree, and ACG is like a Masters. For those who aspire even higher, the highest award available is Distinguished Toastmaster, which is like a PhD in public speaking and leadership. Like the Open University, everyone proceeds at their own pace.
Can you use Toastmasters International to become a professional speaker?
You certainly can. Some of our members are in fact members of the Professional Speakers Association, which actually recommends membership of Toastmasters International as a pathway to joining its ranks. But many more of our members are de facto professional speakers in many other ways. Being able to speak clearly and fluently is an essential skill in modern business life. Good speakers will tend to advance more than poor speakers, and more and more professionals are waking up to the need to achieve a competitive edge through speaking ability.
Ridgeway Speakers Club is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit
organization with nearly
250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries worldwide.
Toastmasters is a world
leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience.