FAQ about Toastmasters

Have you ever wondered what happens at a Toastmasters club? Watch this video to find out, and share it with any of your friends, family or colleagues interested in improving their speaking and leadership skills.

The following are some of the FAQ about Toastmasters:

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is an international, non-profit making organization formed to help people improve their communication and leadership skills.

Why do people join Toastmasters?

The most common reason given for joining Toastmasters is to conquer shyness, stage fright or fear of public speaking.

How much is the cost to join Toastmasters?

Very affordable – the cost for joining a Toastmasters club for 1 year is less than a 1-hour spa treatment in Singapore.

What kind of training do I receive in Toastmasters?

Toastmasters progress at their own pace through a professionally prepared program with a lot of hands-on experience. Educational manuals are designed to offer a step-by-step approach to speech organization and presentation.

How does Toastmasters help in my career advancement?

Research shows that people who can express themselves effectively advance further and faster in their career than those who have difficulty speaking. Toastmasters provides the tools you can use to improve your performance in a variety of situations.

What does Toastmasters membership offer?

* Unlimited opportunities for personal growth and career advancement based on improved abilities and broadened experience.

* Experience in leadership development through specific training and involvement in club administration and management.

* Build-up of self-confidence and self-esteem through the ability to conquer the fear of public speaking.

* Opportunity to develop a better understanding of human relations.

* Automatic subscription to “Toastmasters”, the monthly magazine with a wealth of knowledge about public speaking, to be sent to each paying member free of charge.

 

What activities are included in a Toastmasters meeting?

A typical Toastmasters meeting includes the following segments:

– Prepared speeches: Speakers will present their prepared speeches in accordance with the educational manuals designed by Toastmasters International. Usually, the time allowed for the speeches are of 5 to 7 minutes.

– Evaluation: Feedback will be given on the prepared speeches presented by the speakers to highlight to them their strengths and areas for improvement.

– Table Topics: This is the time to practise impromptu speaking, i.e. thinking on your feet without preparation.

– Ah Counter’s Report: Toastmasters is not just about speaking. It is also about listening. An “Ah Counter” is appointed at every meeting to pick up pause fillers such as “um”, “er”, “you know”, etc. uttered by the participants during the meeting.

– Language Evaluation: The “Language Evaluator” or “Grammarian” listens carefully and highlights to the audience the strengths and areas for improvement of the language used by the speech presenters.

Join Toastmasters and find a club that you like to practise your speeches in a friendly environment. You are welcome to visit our Kampong Ubi Toastmasters Club if you are living in Singapore.