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• What is Toastmasters?

 

Toastmasters is a non-profit organization that operates clubs worldwide by empowering members to improve their leadership and communication skills. Toastmasters offers educational programs designed to help members learn public speaking, communicate more effectively and gain confidence as a leader. 

 

• Will East Side Toastmasters help me become a better communicator and public speaker?

 

Yes, absolutely!  As a club we warmly encourage your efforts while giving constructive feedback to help you become the best you can be.  Our Competent Communicator program consists of 10 speech projects which build the fundamentals for great public speaking and enhances communicating skills. 

 

• Will East Side Toastmasters help me become a better leader?

 

Yes. Every aspect of participation in the club, from delivering speeches to supporting meeting roles to serving as a club officer, develops leadership skills. Our Competent Leader program consists of 10 projects where you develop skills such as critical thinking, organization,  and relationship building. 

 

• What is an East Side Toastmasters meeting like?

 

It is a warm friendly culture like no other Toastmasters club out there. We have a relaxed atmosphere, yet we keep the meetings professional through planned preparation.

 

The basic structure for a typical meeting is as follows:

 

1)  INTRODUCTION  The President, Toastmaster and supporting members kick off the meeting.

2)  SPEECHES  3 - 4 Speeches are presented by members from a variety of experience levels.

3) TABLE TOPICS  Guests and members are invited to give impromptu 1 -2 minute speeches.  

4)  EVALUATIONS   Select members offer constructive feedback of the speeches presented.

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• Do I need any previous experience in public speaking before attending a meeting?

 

No, not at all. Come join us and see for yourself how easy it can be to take that first step in becoming the confident speaker you want to be.

 

• What if English is not my first language? Can I still attend a meeting?

 

Yes, absolutely! We can support your efforts to learn public speaking at any level of fluency in English. If you would like one-on-one support, we suggest working with a club mentor.

 

• Are guests required to speak at their 1st meeting?

 

We encourage new guests to introduce themselves in a few words at the beginning of the meeting. Other than that there is no expectation to speak in front of the audience. If however you do want to speak in front of the audience, we encourage you to participate in the impromptu portion of the meeting called Table Topics.

 

• Can I visit a club meeting as a guest? 

 

Yes, we love having guests! If you are considering becoming a member of East Side Toastmasters, we encourage you to come to 2 meetings before joining.

 

• How can I join as a member?

 

Come visit us.  See how wonderful the experience is.  When you’re here, you can talk to any of the club officers or the Vice President of Membership about joining. To contact the VP of Membership directly, feel free to email eastsidetoastmastersclub@gmail.com.

 

We encourage you to attend 2 meetings before joining as a member. We want to make sure that you feel the club will truly serve you in your communication and leadership goals. We are absolutely confident that it will!

 

• Is there a cost to join? 

 

Yes, $45 for six months plus $10 for club dues. New members pay a one-time fee of $20 to our parent organization, Toastmasters International. Our club offers one of the lowest costs of Toastmasters clubs throughout New York City.