"A good orator is pointed and impassioned." - Marcus T. Cicero
Meeting FAQ
So you’re interested in attending a Toastmasters meeting? Excellent. You don’t need a formal invitation and we are always happy to see guests. This page tells you what to expect at the meeting and provides a map to our location.
If you have questions or need encouragement to visit, please contact the Vice President (VP) of Membership using the form to the right.
What can I expect at a meeting?
Toastmasters meetings follow a set agenda and each one proceeds in essentially the same way. During the first part of the meeting we have “Table Topics,” and sometimes a brief business meeting where we practice Parliamentary Procedures and discuss any business relating to the club. Later, we have prepared speeches and evaluations. A more detailed description of these activities follows:
- Table Topics: The Table Topics Master poses questions to individual members in turn, who then respond with impromptu speechs of one to two minutes. The exercise hones the speaker’s ability to think and respond quickly and effectively. Many people find this exercise difficult at first, but the more often they participate, the easier it becomes. For examples of Table Topics themes click here.
- Business Meetings: During the business meeting, we discuss matters relating to the club, acknowledge members who have received awards, and give club officer reports. This also gives members an opportunity to practise Robert's Rules of Order for Parliamentary Procedures, a skill that’s useful at meetings in other organizations.
- Prepared Speeches: Toastmasters build speaking skills by working through manuals: each manual, beginning with the basic Competent Communication manual, guides the member through a group of related speech projects designed to foster specific skills. When the member has completed the basic manual, she or he can choose from a number of advanced manuals to continue practising and to build other skills. All Toastmasters are encouraged to strive to meet the objectives of the projects in the manuals. For more information on the Competent Communication manual, click here.
- Evaluations: Speech evaluations are what really set Toastmasters apart from other public speaking groups. Every speech is evaluated by a peer at the club to provide immediate feedback to the speaker. Evaluators focus on the specific objectives for the speech and provide an oral evaluation that is positive and constructive. This exercise helps speakers to continually improve and allows evaluators to practise giving effective critique.
TopAre there any membership requirements?
When new members are inducted into Toastmasters they make a promise to participate in their club and to work with others to the benefit of everyone. In return, current members promise to make the new member welcome and to help them succeed at building their speaking skills.
There are no participation or attendance requirements ; however, members only get out what they put into the club. Those who actively participate do much better than those who do not. We’ll encourage you to speak and participate in roles, but we won’t force you to.
Members who can’t attend a particular meeting let the current VP of Education know so he or she can adjust and plan the agenda accordingly.
If I join, will I have to speak right away?
No. You will not be asked to speak until you're ready. If you feel more comfortable waiting a few months, that's fine. The VP of education will arrange a mentor for you to help you get started. The VP of Education also tries to arrange each meeting so that that most members are involved in some capacity, so while you’re adjusting, you'll need to let him know your wishes.
Where are meetings located?
Time: Tuesdays, 7 pm to 9 pm
Location: Chrysler Dodge Jeep
12 Lakelands Boulevard, Halifax, NS B3S 1S8.
(Near Rona in Bayers Lake)
We meet upstairs, so look for the stairs by the desk in the main lobby. Please don’t park in front of the showroom - there’s plenty of parking to the side of the building.
How much does it cost to join?
We pay annual membership dues of $125.00 on October 1 of each year. New members pay an aditional $25 fee to cover the cost of a membership kit. If you join later in the year the dues are adjusted to reflect the portion of the year that remains. We accept cash and cheque only.
You can download the application to join here, fill it out, and submit it to VP of Membership, or you can get an application at a club meeting.
What materials do I receive as a new member?
As a new member, you’ll receive a kit which contains all the information you need to get started on your goal of becoming a successful communicator, including a Competent Communicator manual, and a Competent Leadership manual. The VP of Membership will ensure you receive this kit and the VP of Education will assign you a mentor to help you reach your goals.
You membership dues also include an annual subscription to Toastmaster Magazine, a monthly publication of Toastmasters International.
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to use the form on the right to send an email to the VP of Membership. You’ll usually receive a response within 48 hours.
Visit us!
Schooner Toastmasters is open to all and guests are always welcomed. Simply fill out the form below and someone will contact you with more information.
Meeting details:
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Location: Chrysler Dodge Jeep
12 Lakelands Boulevard, Halifax, NS B3S 1S8.
(Near Rona in Bayers Lake) (see map)
Look for the stairs in the main lobby. Please don't park in front of the showroom. There is plenty of parking at the side of the building.