So you're wanting to come to a Toastmasters meeting but you're nervous and not sure what to expect. Totally understand, I was like that too – took me three years to attend my first meeting. I spent a lot of time trying to find an answer to my "but what do they actually do at a meeting?" question along with the "are they going to make me speak at my first meeting?" question.
Let me answer the second question first – no, we're not going to "make" you speak at the first meeting. Well, we will say "hi" and hope you'll respond. But no, we won't make you get up in front of everyone and give a speech. We may ask you if you'd like to take part in table topics – more on this later – or we may ask you at the end to give us your feedback on the meeting but that's about it.
As to what we do at a meeting it varies from meeting to meeting, but we generally do the following:
The meeting is opened promptly at 6.30pm by the Sergeant at Arms. The person performing this role is responsible to start the meeting on time and cover the housekeeping (mobile phones, toilets, and emergency procedures).
They then pass the meeting over to the Toastmaster who MCs the night. They try and keep us all on track.
Through out the evening there may be an "Inspiration" – short 2 minute speech to focus and inspire us.
Table topics – around 10 minutes of impromptu speeches. Each speech is around 90 seconds but a few people will get a chance to speak. Often the Table Topics Master will pose a question and ask someone to answer it. In most cases, visitors are invited to join in.
Prepared speeches – there maybe anywhere from 2 to 5 prepared speeches in a night. Most of these will be around 5-7 minutes long, and will cover a range of topics. The topics are generally chosen by the speaker.
There's also a grammarian role, where the use of language is listened for and reported on.
A timer, who makes sure everyone sticks to their time limits.
All roles are evaluated. This means that there will be evaluations for all speakers, even the table topics speakers – as it is through feedback that we improve.
The night generally wraps up with a business session where the President will make any announcements that affect the club.
Somewhere among all of this we have a tea break – which will give you time to meet and talk with the club members.
And we're all very friendly.
I hope this gives you a bit of an idea what to expect – please come and visit us and see what really happens for yourself.