The Club Meeting
A Toastmasters club meeting consists of three basic parts:
Prepared Speeches. During this portion of the meeting, several members present speeches based on the Toastmaster Communication and Leadership Programs.
Evaluations. Each prepared speech is orally evaluated by a fellow member in a helpful constructive manner using given evaluation criteria. The speaker gets written evaluation too from the evaluator and all other members are invited to give written comment too.
Table Topics. In this segment, members not otherwise scheduled as program participants have an opportunity to present one- to two-minute impromptu talks.
Meeting Roles and Responsibilities
In Toastmasters, we learn by participating. Each week you will participate in many roles, and each one is a learning experience.
SPEAKER
A major portion of each meeting is centred around three or four speakers. Their speeches are prepared based on assignments in the Toastmasters manuals. Preparation is the key to success. You pick the subject and can get support from other club members.
EVALUATOR
After every prepared speech, the speaker receives an evaluation. The evaluator gives encouragement and praise and suggestion for future improvement.
TIMER
One of the lessons to be practiced in speech training is that of expressing a thought within a specific time. Each segment of the meeting is timed and the timer is responsible for keeping track of time.
TABLE TOPICS MASTER
Toastmasters has a tradition of encouraging every member to speak at the meeting. The purpose of the Table Topics session is to have members ‘think on their feet’. The Table Topics Master presents topics for discussion and encourages responses.
GENERAL EVALUATOR
The General Evaluator evaluates anything and everything that takes place in the meeting. The role enhances the learning experience of the club.
TOASTMASTER
The main duty of the Toastmaster is to act as a genial host and conduct the entire program, including introducing the participants. The Toastmaster creates an atmosphere of interest, expectation and receptivity.
POETMASTER
The Poetmaster shares a piece of poetry or prose at the meeting.
WORDMASTER
The Wordmaster presents a word at the meeting and members are encouraged to use the word during the meeting.