Serving Stoney Creek and Hamilton


What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational corporation headquartered in California. Started in 1924, Toastmasters' mission has been to improve communication and leadership skills in its members through a long-standing proven system that focuses on members' public speaking skills.
All Toastmasters members belong to one or more clubs. Clubs consist of at least eight members and may have up to about forty members. There are, at present, over 8,000 clubs around the world. For more information about the history of the Toastmasters organization and programs, go to the Toastmasters International web site.
The name "Toastmasters" is a holdover from the founding of the organization, when one of the main types of public speaking a member of society would engage in was after-dinner speaking, a.k.a. toastmastering. It is rare that formal drinking and toasts take place at today's Toastmaster meeting but the name is a link to our past.


Why should I look into Toastmasters?

Everyone is afraid of speaking. You are no different. Remember that EVERYONE in a Toastmasters club is there because at some point they realized they needed help communicating and speaking before audiences. You may be surprised to find out how supportive a Toastmasters club really can be. If you're aware of how nervous you are but aren't convinced that you should do anything about it, stop and think, what skill is more important than any other when it comes to getting and keeping a good job? Stoney Creek Toastmasters strives to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment, where members have the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, fostering self-confidence and personal growth.


How often do you meet?

Stoney Creek Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Optimist Club, Queenston Road from early September to mid June.


How much does membership cost?

The membership fee is $140.00 per year plus a one time initiation fee of $40 which includes your basic manual outlining 10 speech projects, a Members' Handbook, subscription to the Toastmasters Magazine, and the opportunity to participate in all phases of weekly meetings. Joining in midterm will have the dues reduced proportionately.


How do I proceed once I have my manuals?

You decide how quickly or slowly you want to work your way through the manual. Everyone works at his or her own speed. Speeches may be about any subject you wish although Toastmasters encourages members to choose subjects appropriate and appealing to all audiences. Upon completion of all 10 speeches, you will earn the coveted Competent Toastmaster Award (CTM).


Are there other manuals as well?

Yes. Upon completion of your CTM, you can choose to complete any of the specialized Toastmaster Manuals (Storytelling, Management, Humorous, Interpretive Reading, Sales presentations, etc.). Toastmasters International will, at your request, send a congratulatory letter to your employer as you reach each new level of achievement.


What happens at a meeting?

The format may vary slightly but the basics include:
* Introduction by the Chairperson who presides over the program that evening.
* Impromptu speeches from members (also known as Table Topics)
* The business meeting (usually very brief - Parliamentary procedures are practiced here)
* Introduction of the Toastmaster for the evening
* Prepared speeches from members
* Introduction of the General Evaluator
* Oral evaluations of the prepared speeches
* Reports from other evaluation personnel, such as timer, grammarian, General Evaluator


What other opportunities does Stoney Creek Toastmasters offer?

A typical Toastmaster evening includes many opportunities to build your abilities and confidence. At different meetings, you will learn to evaluate others verbally, give impromptu speeches, propose toasts, participate in business sessions and even lead meetings. Stoney Creek Toastmasters tries to make each meeting different and exciting! In addition, we have regular district and regional contests in different categories throughout the year. Wouldn't you like to become "Toastmaster of the Year"?


Do I have to attend every meeting?

Attendance is voluntary to all meetings. Many of our members cannot attend every meeting, however, consistent attendance adds to the learning experience. The more you participate, the greater the benefit you will receive.


May I bring a guest myself?

Certainly! Guests are always welcome. A friendly and supportive environment will build your confidence and improve your speaking and leadership skills.
If you still don't know whether you'd like Toastmasters, why not visit a Stoney Creek Toastmasters meeting to see what it is like? Please drop us a note if you plan to come out to this weeks' meeting and we would love to welcome you at the door.
If after the meeting you still don't think it's for you, we'll still be happy that you came by. We welcome you to Stoney Creek Toastmasters and hope to see you as a guest and a member.