Q: Do I have to start speaking as soon as I join a Toastmasters club?

A: One of the nice things about Toastmasters is that you progress through the educational program at your own speed. New members generally start out by taking meeting roles such as Timer or Table Topics. Whiile some members may ask to be on the speaking schedule immediately, it has been known for a member to wait as they get use to the setting and Toastmaster environment before giving their first speech.

Q: If I can't get on the speaking schedule what can I do?

A: It is the responsibility of our VP Education to make sure all members get equal speaking opportunities. Schedules are made weekly for upto 3 weeks in advance. If you join at a time when the schedule is already confirmed for the coming meetings, you can prepare a speech and be ready to step up to speak if there is a cancellation or if a spot becomes avaliable. You could also ask our VP Education to help find you an opportunity at another club.

Q: What is the mentoring program about?

A: A mentor is an experienced Toastmaster who has volunteered to help a newer member. It is up to the mentor and mentee to decide between them what the extent of this help will be. It is common for the mentor to help the mentee with his/her first three speeches. If you would like to have a mentor or a mentee, please contact our VP Education.

Q: Where and when are the meetings?
A: For most occasions, we meet in the Rockies Room, 17th floor OMP on every Tuesday evening from 5:30-7pm. Members will be notified if there is a change in the location / agenda.

Q: Who can join?
A: The club is open to anyone 18 years and older but we will give preference to anyone employed here at Rogers first if we run into a “capacity” issue.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: There is a one time initiation fee of $20.00 (covers registration with Toastmaster International and your first two manuals). 
Ongoing annual dues are $75.00 for Rogers employees, and $85 for non Rogers employees (payable in advance). If joining outside the renewal period set by Toastmaster International, fees are pro-rated to align with the two renewal period in September and March.

Q: Do I need to be involved in public speaking?
A: No. If you’ve ever been on a job interview, tried to convince your boss of an idea or wished you could think faster on your feet then the skills you learn at Toastmasters can help you.

Q: I can’t commit to coming every week, can I still join?
A: Of course. Unless you are fulfilling a set role on the duty roster for the night, attendance is voluntary.

Q: I’m not sure, can I try it out?
A: Yes. Guests are welcome to attend up to 3 free sessions. After that, we encourage them to join.

Q: I’ve heard that many corporate clubs have lunch time meetings, will we have any?
A: Unknown at this time. If the numbers support a second weekly meeting, we would strongly consider making it at lunch time to provide choices for our members.

Q: Can I belong to more than one Toastmasters Club?
A: Yes. Dual membership is permitted and you’ll save money on your initiation fees as well.

Q: How else can I get involved?
A: Not only there are roles to take on every meeting but the club needs an executive. We elect a total of 7 members to run the club 6-12 months. The Toastmaster year runs July 1 to June 30. Positions to be filled are:
President

VP Education

VP Membership

VP Public Relations

Secretary
Treasurer

Sergeant at Arms

Q: What if I have other questions?
A: You can e-mail our President, Mel Domingo here at mel.domingo@rci.rogers.com or you can browse the Toastmasters site at www.toastmasters.org or check out our District 60 Toastmasters website at www.toastmasters60.org

Q: How do I join?
A: Please contact our VP Membership; we will take care of you!!!