Our meetings are generally informal gatherings where all are welcome. Although our format is a little different than most Toastmasters Clubs, we still cover all the areas to aid our members in developing their speaking, listening, and leading skills to their highest potential! For our members, immediately below is the upcoming meeting agenda. For those interested in visiting our club, and possibly joining, a brief description of what most meetings are like can be found at the bottom of this page. E-mail me at kbdukelow@msn.com if you have any questions!
At 6:00 p.m. sharp (or as close as can be expected), our president calls the meeting to order. After the president conducts a quick business meeting, he introduces the Toastmaster of the evening.
The Toastmaster is the "emcee" of the meeting. The Toastmaster keeps the meeting moving according to schedule and also introduces all the various "Players" of the meetings, such as the SPEAKERS:
The Speakers normally present a prepared speech ranging from 4 to 10 minutes. Most speakers prepare a speech using one of many Toastmaster Manuals as a guide to developing their speech. This is the part of the program that deals most with what people perceive of as "Public Speaking."
After the prepared speeches, the Toastmaster introduces the "Table Topics Master." This is the impromptu part of the meeting where Toastmasters develop their ability to "think on their feet." This is the part of the meeting that is the most exciting, as well as the most terrifying. The Table Topics Master will come up with a topic, or a series of topics, and call on Toastmasters to give a brief (1-2 minute) talk on whatever subject is given to them. As a guest, you have the ability to take advantage of this opportunity, or to pass. Once you join, however, you are HIGHLY encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Next, the Toastmaster will introduce the General Evaluator. The General Evaluator's job will be to introduce the evaluators of each of the speakers; evaluate the meeting as a whole; and, finally, to evaluate the evaluators.
The Toastmaster will then make some closing comments, ask for comments from the guests (again a chance, or not, for you to speak) and then return control of the meeting to the President.
The President then will go over the schedule for the next week and adjourn the meeting. Usually around 7:15 p.m.
