FAQ

Q. What is Toastmasters?
A. Toastmasters is a training and educational organisation which teaches its members communication, leadership, training and management skills, and builds their self confidence through public speaking. It is the largest and most successful organisation of its type in the world.

Q. What do you do in a Toastmasters meeting?
A. Every toastmasters club is happy to welcome a visitor to observe a meeting. At Western Lectern, we encourage a little bit of participation from our visitors, but only if you're happy to do so.

At Toastmasters meetings, we aim to foster and develop our confidence, leadership and public speaking skills. The speaking skills are developed both by giving prepared speeches of 5-7 minutes duration and by completing smaller roles within the meeting (like giving a report on the number of um's and ah's we uttered).

One of the intriguing things with Toasties is that everything is evaluated by another member. Not in the sense of marks out of ten, by providing positive or constructive feedback on the way each speaker delivered their message and also giving one or two suggestions to enhance our presentation next time.

The meeting is organised as a business meeting. For many of us, in our working lives, this can be a daunting experience. Toastmasters is the only place I know where we can acclimatise to this style of communication and have fun at the same time. Make a "mistake" at Toastmasters, we'll laugh and move on - your job isn't on the line!

We also have a break half way through the meeting for a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit - of course, you are invited to join us.

Q. How does exactly does Toastmasters help me improve my communication skills?
A. When you join a Toastmasters Club you receive a complete training kit covering all aspects of speaking and evaluation. This kit includes both a Communication manual and a Leadership manual. These manuals reflect the years of experience Toastmasters has in helping people just like you. They take you step by step through the art of making and evaluating speeches and developing leadership skills.

In particular you learn by doing with your efforts evaluated by your fellow Club members. You will be gradually introduced to the various roles within a Toastmasters meeting. Gaining proficiency in these helps build up your skills.

Q. Who do I need to contact to receive more information about Western Lectern Toastmasters?
A. For more information about Western Lectern Toastmasters club, contact Lynne Harris on 9639 5509 or email: westernlectern@gmail.com

Q. What specifically will you learn to do as a Toastmaster?
A. In a Toastmasters Club you will learn:

* How to give an impromptu speech
* How to give a prepared speech
* How to evaluate what you hear
* How to introduce speakers
* How to be a more effective leader of people
* How to Chair and run meetings

All these skills will help you develop self confidence.

Q. Why do people join Toastmasters?
A. People join Toastmasters for lots of reasons! Some of these are to:

* Practice public speaking and enhance their presentation skills
* Develop the skills to persuade and convince others
* Learn to put their ideas across clearly and with conviction
* Improve their self-confidence before a group of people
* Learn to think quickly and clearly under pressure
* Learn to listen effectively and critically
* Learn to supportively evaluate someone else's presentation
* Train to become a good leader
* Meet interesting and friendly people