What happens at a Toastmasters meeting?
You are very welcome to attend our meetings as a guest. Our meetings follow a similar format almost every week. The evening is split into two sessions of almost an hour each.
In the first half of the meeting all attending can take part in a Topics Session where a Topicsmaster (the personnel change every meeting) asks a member to respond to a random topic. They have two minutes to speak, thereafter anyone (including guests) can respond for a minute. The Topics Session is an informal and entertaining part of the evening and is always a good challenge as speakers are required to think on their feet.
The second part of the evening is taken up with three set speeches which are part of a Toastmasters speaking programme. The Competent Communicator award is a ten step programme for new members where you are given a set of exercises for each speech you make. Each step concentrates on an important facet of public speaking. On completion of this you can move on to the Advanced modules. Speakers with a wide range of experience will speak at each meeting. Towards the end of the evening each speech is evaluated offering the speakers valuable advice about how to improve their speechmaking.
Members are encouraged to take on a number of roles in the club which offers a chance to broaden experience. Leadership and listening skills are as much a part of Toastmasters as is public speaking. Why not drop into our club or a local club to find out more!
Further information on joining our club can be obtained by talking to a member at the meeting. Please view a list of Irish Toastmasters Clubs or visit the Toastmasters International website.
Dublin Toastmasters featured on RTE's Capital D programme in March 2009
The Mission of Toastmasters International
Toastmasters international is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.
Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self actualisation, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its world wide network of clubs, thereby offering ever greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
Toastmasters International Vision
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realise their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.
Club Mission Statement
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.
