Toastmasters Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to join Toastmasters?

Yes. There is a nominal fee to join. Dues are then paid twice a year after that. For the current cost of joining Toastmasters International, click here. In addition, most clubs also have dues to cover basic operating expenses (i.e. postage, supply ordering, etc.) 

What do I get for my membership?

After joining Toastmasters you will receive in the mail a new member kit. This will contain all the materials needed to start the program. In addition, you will receive the Toastmaster magazine. This publication contains many interesting and useful articles which will help you in your speaking and in learning more about the Toastmasters Organization.

How long does it take to complete the Toastmasters program?

There is no set time limit for this. The Toastmasters Organization encourages its members to set personal goals and to work at their own pace. Some individuals advance rapidly through the program while others prefer to progress more slowly. Other factors individual to each club also weigh into how quickly a person can complete the necessary requirements.

Can Toastmasters really help me become more effective and valuable at my job?

Active participation in Toastmasters can provide you with the confidence and skill needed to tackle many communication challenges on the job. Several of our members have reported that Toastmasters has helped them advance in their careers and make favorable impressions in job interviews. Toastmasters International is a well-known, respected organization. Active membership in Toastmasters is a valuable asset.

But if you already know the essentials of speaking, why is it necessary to keep practicing?

Just as our bodies get out of shape when we fail to exercise, our speaking skills suffer when we fail to practice them. The effective evaluations you will receive in Frederick Douglass Toastmasters will help you to keep these skills in shape.

What are some of the factors individual to each club that determine how quickly a member can work through the Toastmasters Program?

One such factor is club size. Since speaking opportunities need to be distributed fairly to all members, very large clubs would logically offer fewer chances to speak. Within smaller or medium-sized clubs such as Frederick Douglass Toastmasters, however, speaking opportunities would likely be greater. Another factor affecting completion time is the frequency of club meetings. As most of the clubs in District 65’s Central Division, Frederick Douglass meets twice a month

Since speaking opportunities can be limited by club size, is it possible to speak outside of a Toastmasters club and still get credit toward Toastmaster awards?

Yes, credit can be given for up to two speeches per award providing 1) the Vice President of Education agrees in advance, 2) a Toastmasters evaluator is present and completes the written project evaluation, and 3) you meet all project objectives.

Why is the Toastmasters Communication Program also called a leadership program?

Along with helping you to achieve better communication skills, the Toastmasters organization encourages its members to share what they have learned. Sometimes this is through a one to one, mentoring relationship. Other times it is by preparing members to eventually assume leadership positions in their club, in the District and in the Toastmasters Organization.

What is meant by active membership?

Active membership means attending meetings faithfully and participating regularly in the meetings. It is more difficult to gain benefits from Toastmasters if you attend meetings infrequently since Toastmasters is an interactive program. One of the main advantages Toastmasters has over other speech programs is that it provides an opportunity for members to regularly practice and continue refining speaking skills.

What is the age group/occupation/interests of members belonging to Frederick Douglass Toastmasters?

Frederick Douglass Toastmasters is composed of members with a wide variety of occupations, backgrounds and interests. Toastmasters is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. The age of our current membership ranges from mid- 20’s right up to 80 years plus! We believe this diversity gives us insight into many different perspectives about life. Since we also have some members who are long time members in the Toastmaster Organization, we can learn much from their experience.

I wouldn’t know the first thing about running a meeting, completing speaking assignments, or especially evaluating someone! Where do I learn how to do this?

When you join Toastmasters, you will receive a Communications and Leadership Manual (sometimes referred to as the “Basic Manual”). This book contains assignments for ten prepared speeches and other very useful information about Toastmasters and the various assignments you will be asked to perform. 

Do I have to join before attending a meeting?

No, you may attend as a guest and observe our meetings before deciding to join.

Are guests to your Toastmaster meetings expected to participate in the meeting or to speak in front of the group?

No. As our guest, you will be introduced to the group at the beginning of the meeting. At the conclusion of each meeting, we provide an opportunity for members and guests to informally comment on the meeting quality if they choose to do so.

Must I call and make arrangements before attending as a guest?

No, surprise guests are always welcome anytime at our meetings. However, calling ahead gives you an opportunity to speak personally with one of our members and to ask questions about Toastmasters or our club.

Do you have a meal as part of your Toastmaster meetings?

No, we hold our meetings after dinner. We do have a short dessert break, though, during which time members can socialize. An exception to this would be at holiday time when we often plan special activities, such as pot luck dinners.

Questions about Frederick Douglass Toastmasters

How long are your meetings?

Our meetings begin promptly at 7P.M. and end by 8:30P.M. We have a break after the first segment of our meeting. During this time members and guests can socialize, enjoy refreshments, and get things set up for the next portion of the meeting.

How are your meetings divided?

The first part of our meeting begins with Opening Remarks, Invocation and Pledge. This is sometimes followed by an Educational Speech, and following that, a Table Topics Segment. After the break, we have the Speaking Portion which includes 2-3 prepared and timed speeches. Next, there is an Evaluation Section. 

I’ve heard that some Toastmasters clubs take a break during the summer. Does Frederick Douglass Toastmasters meet during the summer months?

Frederick Douglass Toastmasters does not hold summer meetings.  Please see our calendar for meeting dates.

When I think of being evaluated on my speaking, it brings back horrible memories of my high school speech class! Are evaluations harsh?

At Frederick Douglass we encourage evaluations that are positive and uplifting. An evaluator will praise you for the things you did well and offer a few suggestions for improvement when you give your next speech. We take turns evaluating one another and feel that both older and newer members are constantly learning.

When I join, will there be someone I can contact with questions?

Yes, when you join our club you will be assigned a mentor to guide, answer your questions, and encourage you. This person will be an experienced member who has volunteered for the job. Frederick Douglass has a wealth of experienced members available who are interested in helping you to be successful.

There are several clubs in the Rochester area. Why should I join Frederick Douglass Toastmasters?

Every Toastmaster’s club has its own personality. Some clubs are extremely formal and businesslike. Other clubs are very loosely structured. Still others, such as Frederick Douglass, are “middle of the road”, so to speak. You should visit Frederick Douglass and perhaps a few other clubs that meet at a time convenient for you. Then you will be in a position to compare clubs and decide whether Frederick Douglass is the club for you. 

Questions about the benefit of Toastmasters

Beyond giving prepared speeches, how can participation in Toastmasters help me to become a better communicator?

In Toastmasters members are given the opportunity to get involved in meetings through carrying out various assignments. Members take turns with the different tasks involved in running a meeting. In addition, during the Table Topics session, members practice the art of giving impromptu talks.

How can learning how to run a meeting make me a better communicator?

Many of us have occasions beyond Toastmasters where we may be asked to assume leadership roles in organizing a school committee, a community group, or perhaps a project on the job. Knowing how to run meetings and make effective presentations can mean the difference between success and failure at these endeavors.

How long do most people belong to a Toastmasters club?

It really depends upon what a person wishes to gain from Toastmasters. Since maintaining proficiency in speaking is dependent upon practice, it would be reasonable to expect that the longer a member stays in Toastmasters, the more he or she could gain.