To ensure everyone gets the chance to be involved, hone their speech craft and build confidence, we have a timely meeting structure. The first half of the meeting is usually planned and prepared speeches and the second half is structured to develop impromptu speaking skills.
To encourage feedback and skill development, there are a number of roles that our members take part in during the meeting, to help the seamless running of the evening and also as additional public speaking practice. These roles include the Toastmaster, who hosts the meeting, speakers, evaluators and specialist evaluators, such as the Grammarian and Time Keeper, who monitor speech timings, articulation, description and the use of filler words.
Our meetings begin with an introduction from the chosen Toastmaster for the evening. Once the format of the meeting has been explained, the Toastmaster will introduce the other Toastmasters roles members can opt to perform. The meeting will then begin.
In this part of the meeting, members perform a prepared speech of their choice, aiming to improve their speaking skills by progressing through the Toastmasters Pathway program.
Every speaker is assigned an evaluator, who is another member of the club. In this section you are provided with your written and verbal feedback on your public speaking. Learning to give good evaluation is another skill you will learn.
Ever wondered what it’s like to do an impromptu speech unprepared and on the spot? In this section of the meeting, members are invited to test their skills and perform a two minute impromptu speech, which we call Table Topics.
Don’t worry, we won’t pick on you unless you want to join in the fun!
So you’ve taken your first steps on your Toastmasters journey and turned up to your first meeting. You are probably feeling rather nervous about the prospect of sitting with and talking in front of a room of strangers for the first time. Do not worry! Every Toastmaster knows the pressure of walking through the doors for the first time. We are a friendly, zero pressure, welcoming club. We all know the stress of public speaking and that’s why we are here!
We cater to all skill levels. Some of our members have gone from standing and stuttering through a speech for ten minutes, to entering speech competitions in front of hundreds. You will be amazed how much your confidence improves just after one evening with us. Read Our Testimonials to hear what our members have to say about their first time.