Tips for Success

Question: Which Toastmaster is the most important officer? President? Educational Vice President? Sergeant at Arms?

Answer: None of the above. Every member is the most important Toastmaster.

So, if you want to become an even better Toastmaster, here are some things to think about:

• Can you become a CC this year?
• If you are a CC, will you work towards one of the Advanced levels now?
• Or perhaps, a simpler goal, such as ... "Give 4 speeches this year."
• Maybe, this is the year you will participate in a contest. (They're fun!)
• Is there a special speech technique you really want to master? Gestures? Vocabulary? Humor?
• Do you want to learn more about one of TM's programs? Perhaps Speechcraft? Or maybe Youth Leadership?
• If you have never been an officer, consider it now.
• Read your Toastmasters Magazine carefully, for ideas. There may be a great one there, that you never thought about.

These are just some ideas. The important thing is for you to keep it achievable. Your club also gives you the structure within which to achieve these goals. So, you will want to help your club be more successful, too. Here are some ideas to start with:

• Do you have a good, solid membership base?
• Are your meetings lively and fun?
• Do they start and end on time?
• Are your meetings educational?
• Does everybody participate?
• Are guests made to feel welcome?
• Are members working towards their educational goals?
• Do most of your members renew their dues?
• Do members come to most of the meetings?

This is only a start! Your club might want to have a brain-storming session, to think of other great ideas.