- THE MEETING IS AT A NUDIST RESORT, WILL I BE REQUIRED TO DISROBE? I AM NOT A NUDIST.
While the meeting is at Paradise Lakes, a clothing optional resort, it is not mandatory that you disrobe to enjoy the company of fellow citizens in a Toastmaster setting. There is a fallacy that Nudists are always walking around with no clothes on. That is the preferred dress code, but we do have common sense like everyone else. If it is cold, we wear clothes; if it is raining we have an umbrella or raincoat, and if the bugs bite, we wear insect repellant. When the sun is hot and the day beautiful, we wear our smiles.
All non-nudists are welcome to the meeting, members of the club will make you feel comfortable, while you stretch your boundaries in accepting others as they appear. Similar to a job scenario where you must go outside of your "box" to move ahead in the company.
2. HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE THERE IN THE CLUB? I WOULD RATHER MEET WITH A LARGE GROUP TO BETTER MIMIC THE SIZE OF THE GROUP I WOULD BE SPEAKING TO.
Toastmasters International has found that a group of 20-30 members is the ideal size for optimizing the benefits for both the speaker and the audience. While the number of the club may be smaller or larger depending on the time of the year, the size of the audience is a minor influence on anyones speaking skills. A good speaker is known for the organization of their material, the presentation techniques they use and the pitch and pacing of their words. The Toastmaster techniques learned will help prepare you to speak in front of any size audience.
3. THE TIME AND NIGHT IS INCOVENIENT FOR ME.
We would love for you to attend Naturally Speaking Toastmasters Club. We do understand that our times and meeting place may not be convenient to your personal calendar. For those who wish to discover Toastmasters and the benefits that are available, we advise you to check out the District 47 website at www.ToastmastersD47.org . Visit the District 47 club directory and you will find a club that meets on a date and time that may be more convenient for you.
4. WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN?
The cost of becoming a member of Toastmasters International is the same in every club. There is a one time New Member fee of $16.00 and $3.00 per month to Toastmaster International. Our club does have additional fees that are necessary to maintain our club equipment and lessons for the members. You will need to contact each club separately to find out what the additional charges may be. Our monthly fee includes, the dues to International, the costs of all additional books, pamphlets, project material, trophies for our various contests, audio visual equipment. The only additional charge we have is for the New Member fee that is added on. The cost per month is $10.00. A cost to you to improve your speaking and leadership skills, for only $2.26 per week.
5. I TOOK SPEECH IN COLLEGE, WHY WOULD I WANT TO DO THIS AGAIN?
Becoming a proficient speaker does not come in one day. Every skill that you have learned in your life has a shelf life. By not actively using the skill you learned in Speech there will be a significant diminishment in any presentation that you may be called on to perform. Just as when we were young and exercised regularly, we could run for long distances, lift heavy weights, or ride bicycles for hours. With the lack of constant involvement, we discover that our physical muscles atrophy. Speaking skills are the same. You must exercise them regularly to keep in shape. With a renewed interest and effort in communication you may find the following truths.
As your improved communication skills become obvious within the workplace, increased visibility, recognition and promotion will follow.
Your improved presentation skills will win you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and employees - and make them wonder what you did to change!
Leadership skills acquired through participation in Toastmasters will increase your management potential.
As a Toastmaster you will acquire an increased ability to motivate and persuade, making you more effective as a supervisor or manager.
6. I AM EASILY EMBARASSED AND SCARED TO DEATH OF TALKING IN FRONT OF STRANGERS.
It has been documented that the number one fear of the general public is the FEAR of Speaking. The second greatest fear is that of death. Imagine that people would rather die than to get up in front of someone and speak. Ever feel that way? You are in the majority!
The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. You are among friends, colleagues and fellow citizens who are all trying to improve. Toastmasters offers a nurturing, positive environment that allows you immediate feedback and tips for improving your presentations, which allow you to grow toward your goals.
