Center Speakers Toastmasters welcomes all guests regardless of speaking experience. We encourage you to visit and observe one or more meetings before deciding to join. The guidelines below explain how to become a member of the Club.
We meet every Thursday, except for the third week of August, the Toastmasters International Convention. This year the convention is the week of August 16th, 2004
What will I learn at Toastmasters?
Toastmasters can help you in a variety of areas including delivering
prepared speeches, making impromptu speeches, conducting meetings, evaluating
people, managing people, and developing leadership skills.
In addition, joining Center Speakers Toastmasters will allow you to
tap into rich educational resources both from experienced club members
and from various newsletters and documents produced by Toastmasters International.
Is this a Class?
No. The Toastmasters program is more like a cooperative workshop. It
is a self-paced program. We practice various aspects of public speaking
(such as vocal variety and body language) in Club meetings, and receive
supportive and constructive evaluations by Club members.
Does Center Speakers have an education
process?
Toastmasters has an integrated learning process that guides members
at their own pace on the journey to becoming a great speaker. As a new
member, you will be working from the Communication and Leadership Manual,
which describes 10 speech projects designed to develop various aspects
of your speaking skills. Once you have completed these 10 speeches, you
will be designated a Competent Toastmaster (CTM), the first of several
Toastmasters distinctions.
When do you meet?
Meetings are held every Thursday from 4:45-5:45, in the Christian
Science Administration Building, right across the street from Prudential
Center, 175 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. You can take the
"E" line to Prudential Center or park in the Center's parking garage.
When can I join?
Anytime. When you are ready to join, please speak with a club officer
for assistance.
Can I attend meetings without
joining?
Yes. All meetings are open to the general public. You may visit as
many times as you would like. However, only by joining will you be able
to give speeches, take on advanced meeting roles, and earn credits toward
Communication and Leadership Awards.
How much does it cost?
New members initially pay between $25 and $40, depending on the month
in which they join. Semi-annual dues of $20 are then due each April and
October.
What do I get in return for my
dues?
As a member of Toastmasters International, you will receive a monthly
subscription to the Toastmaster magazine and a new member kit, containing
the CTM (Competent Toastmaster) Manual plus three pamphlets entitled "Your
Speaking Voice," "Gestures: Your Body Speaks," and "Effective Speech Evaluation."
In addition, your dues support the development of new education programs,
operations at World Headquarters, and your local District organization.
What if I get very busy and can't
keep up?
The Toastmasters program is completely self-paced. You may speak as
frequently or infrequently as you wish. You are not required to attend
every meeting, and you do not have to prepare a speech for each meeting.
There are many meeting roles that require no advance preparation. The more
active your participation, however, the more your speaking and leadership
skills will benefit.
Where can I find more information?
Visit http://www.toastmasters.org.
Guests are always welcome. For information about the Center Speakers
chapter, write to centerspeakers@yahoo.com
or just stop by for a visit!
by Ruth Levitsky, Vice President
Education
updated 7.6.04