What Goes on at a Toastmasters Meeting?
Although many people believe the focal point of a Toastmasters meeting is the prepared speech portion, our meetings also include activities for other members to develop their communication skills.
At a typical club meeting, members get a chance to run a meeting, develop impromptu speaking skills, give prepared speeches, develop listening skills, and serve in a variety of roles designed to maximize opportunities to speak. We maintain a friendly environment that encourages members to develop communication and leadership skills at their own pace. Most of us started out being afraid to speak in public, but after a few months of membership and club support, we became very comfortable with our new-found talents.
Typical Meeting Agenda
| Functionary | Role |
|---|---|
| Sergeant at Arms | Calls meeting to order |
| President | Welcomes everyone |
| Jester | Shares a joke for the week |
| Inspiration | Shares an inspirational quote for the week |
| Toastmaster | Explains the theme and runs the meeting |
| Timer, Grammarian, Videographer | Explain their functions |
| Toastmaster | Introduces the formal speaking portion of the meeting |
| Speakers | Give their prepared speeches |
| Refreshment Break | Yum! |
| Table Topics Master | Impromptu speaking portion of the meeting |
| General Evaluator | Runs evaluation portion of the meeting |
| Evaluators | Evaluate the formal speeches made earlier |
| President | Recognizes first timers Presents awards Discusses club business Calls for announcements Calls for comments from guests Adjourns the meeting |
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