Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of often asked questions. Please
feel free to call one of the people listed in the Contacts
section if you still need more information.
Q. What is a
typical meeting like?
A. For an
explanation of what takes place during a typical meeting go to the Sample
Meeting section. You can also learn more about
the Toastmasters program by going to the Toastmasters International website
found in the Interesting Sites section.
Q. Are you
required to give a certain number of speeches in a year?
A. No. Everybody advances through the program at their own pace.
Some will complete their first ten speeches within a year while other members
may take two or more years.
Q. How will I
know when I am supposed to give a speech?
A. The VP of Education puts together a schedule for the coming two months
and this is distributed to every member. The schedule shows who is listed for
each of the various roles that make up a meeting. If you are not listed
for a role, you may volunteer to give a speech or fill a role.
Q. What if
something comes up and I cannot fulfill my role?
A. Sometimes members are unable to attend a meeting due to other
obligations. If you are scheduled for a role then let the person running the
meeting (Toastmaster) know so they can find a replacement. Better yet, make some
phone calls and find another member to replace you!
Q. How much
does it cost to belong to Boston West Toastmasters?
A. Twice a year our club is required by Toastmasters International to
collect dues. The cost for six months is $45. There is
an nominal one time fee for new members to cover the cost of the manuals that
will be mailed to you. All members receive a monthly magazine, Toastmaster,
from Toastmasters International.
Q, Does the club
meet all year long?
A. Yes. Occasionally, due to a conflict with a holiday, a meeting may be canceled.
Q. How many members
do you have?
A. Currently,
we have 40 members.
Q. How many members
typically attend a meeting?
A. The average
attendance is about 25 members.
Q. Is it possible
to have my speech video taped?
A. Yes. The
club owns a video camera and members are welcome to have their speech taped.
Q. What is
the dress code for the club?
A. Generally, business casual is the rule. If you are giving a speech or
have a major role such as Toastmaster, then more formal attire is suggested.
i.e. jacket & tie for men, dress/skirt/pants suit for ladies. During the warm summer months
members are encouraged to dress more casually for comfort.
Q. Does the club
run any special social activities during the year?
A. Yes. In the
summer, usually August, we have a club barbecue and in December we have a holiday
party.
Q. Are there any
special Toastmasters meetings during the year?
A. Twice a year
there are speech contests. In the fall the humorous contest is held. This
contest is open to all members. In the spring, the "serious"
(non-humorous) speech contest is held. This contest is open to members that have
given five or more speeches from the manual.
Q. What is this
"manual" you mention and do members have to adhere to it?
A. When you
join you receive a manual explaining in detail the ten different speeches that
are required to attain the first level, called the Competent Toastmaster (CTM).
A member is expected to complete each of these ten speeches in order to become a
CTM. If you would like to give additional speeches, you are welcome to do so.
Q. What happens
after you complete the CTM program?
A. There are several more levels of accomplishment after the CTM. The next
level is called Advanced Toastmaster (ATM) and has its own manual and set of
required speeches. And after the ATM comes the DTM - Distinguished
Toastmaster. There is always a challenge, if you are motivated!
