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   PAGE CONTENTS
 
   About Meetings:
 
   Meeting Format
   Meetings Same?
   Guests
   Table Topics
   Evaluations
   Meeting Roles
 
 
   About Clubs:
 
   Choosing Club
   Visiting
   Joining & Dues
 
 
   About Program:
 
   Mentor
   CTM/ATM/DTM
   CL/AL
   Manual
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

About Meetings What is the usual format of a Toastmasters meeting? The main parts of a Toastmasters meeting are table topics, prepared speeches, and evaluations. Table topics are short (1-2 minute) impromptu responses to questions. Prepared speeches are usually 5-7 minutes for beginners using the basic manual or slightly longer for advanced speakers using various advanced manuals. Experienced members evaluate each prepared speech to give feedback for further improvement. Club business is discussed briefly at the end of the meeting. Most club business is conducted at monthly officers meetings, which any member is welcome to attend. Are all meetings the same? All Toastmasters meetings follow a similar format, but each club may have slight variations in procedures or roles that they prefer. Also, clubs occasionally have special meetings, such as speak-a-thons, speaking contests, guest seminars, or debates. [TOP] What do guests have to do? Visitors are encouraged to participate at whatever level they feel comfortable. We usually ask for a short introduction, such as name, occupation, and how you heard about the club. Visitors are also invited to give any comments at the end of the meeting. Guests are encouraged to give speakers written feedback. They may participate in the Table Topics portion if they like. What is Table Topics? Table Topics is the extemporaneous speaking portion of the meeting. The Table Topics Master for each meeting prepares a set of questions, usually focused on a particular theme, for members to answer. This allows people to practice "thinking (and speaking) on their feet"--a valuable skill that comes in handy during staff meetings, job interviews, or any social situation. [TOP] What is the purpose of evaluations? Evaluations point out the strengths of the speech and also offer one or two suggestions for future improvement. They are intended to be educational and encouraging. With so many meeting roles, how will I learn them all? One at a time! Roles vary in level of difficulty, so guests and new members are assigned the easiest ones first. As you attend more meetings, you will observe others in action and soon get the hang of it. When you take on a new role, feel free to ask a more experienced member for assistance. The major roles of Toastmaster, General Evaluator, and Table Topics Master are usually not assigned until a new member has done most of the other roles and given a few speeches. [TOP] About Clubs How do I choose a club? ChatHome Toastmasters Club modestly believes that we are one of the friendliest, most diverse, and most successful clubs around. We would love to have you join us. However, if ChatHome's Wednesday evening meetings in Menlo Park are not a convenient time or location, then check out other San Francisco Bay Area clubs at District 4 Clubs by City. East Bays clubs are listed at District 57 Clubs by County page. Still haven't found what you need? Club from all states and many countries are listed at the Toastmasters International website. How often may I visit? You may visit as often as you wish, but you won't be scheduled to speak or gain the full benefits of the Toastmasters program until you join. How do I join and how much are dues? Join by submitting your application, initiation fee, and dues to the club's VP Membership or the Treasurer. International dues are $18 every six months. In addition, there is a one-time initiation fee of $20 for materials. Each club charges additional local fees. ChatHome charges $7 per 6-month period. Renewals are every six months. When you join between renewal periods, charges are pro-rated. [TOP] About Toastmasters Program What does a mentor do? Once a guest joins the club, they are assigned a mentor. A mentor is an experienced member assigned to a new member to guide them through the initial stages of the Toastmasters program. The mentor will help teach the various meeting roles and answer any initial questions. They will also assist the new person in their speech preparation, especially the first three. The initial Ice Breaker speech is usually assigned during the first month. The mentor/mentee relationship officially ends when the new person achieves their CTM. What are a CTM, ATM, and DTM? CTM, ATM, and DTM are acronyms for the various levels of the Toastmasters Communication Program. CTM stands for Competent Toastmaster and is awarded to members who have completed all 10 projects from the Basic Communication and Leadership Manual. ATMs are advanced speaking awards given at 3 levels--bronze, silver, and gold. Each advanced award requires ten additional speeches from advanced manuals plus additional projects. DTM is Distinguished Toastmaster. This highest award is awarded once both an ATM-G and AL are earned. [TOP] What are a CL and AL? CL and AL are the acronyms for Toastmasters' Leadership track. CL, or Competent Leader is awarded to club leaders who have served at least 6 months in office and have also presented 2 Successful Club modules. Advanced Leader (AL) is awarded to district, division, or area officers who have also completed a variety of other advanced leadership tasks, such as mentoring individuals and new clubs. What is the Basic Communication and Leadership Manual? Every new member receives the Basic Communication and Leadership Manual. This outlines the goals for the first ten speeches, such as Vocal Variety, Body Language and Gestures, Props, etc. [TOP] Additional questions? Email ChatHome or call 650/289-6728 or 408/400-1883

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