At Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to the group and working with each other in a supportive environment. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice. Conducting meetings. Meetings usually end with a short business session which helps members learn basic meeting procedures. Guests can stay or leave (their choice). Giving impromptu speeches. Members present one-to-two-minute impro
mptu speeches on assigned topics. Presenting prepared speeches. Two or more members present speeches based on projects from the Toastmasters International Communication Program manuals. These projects cover such topics as speech organization, voice, language, gestures, and persuasion. Offering constructive evaluation. Every project speaker is assigned an evaluator who points out speech strengths and offers suggestions for improvement. The Tools You Use. Upon joining a Toastmasters club, each new member receives a variety of manuals and resources on speaking. Members also have access to other books as well as audio and video cassettes on speaking and leading. They also receive the award-winning
The Toastmaster, a monthly magazine that offers the latest insights on speaking and leadership techniques. Toastmasters and Leadership. Leadership cannot be learned in a day. It takes practice. In Toastmasters, members build leadership skills by organizing and conducting meetings and motivating others to help them. Club leadership roles and a leadership development program also offer opportunities to learn and practice. Just as Toastmasters members learn to speak simply by speaking, they learn leadership by leading. Supportive environment. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, or offering constructive evaluation. The O'Fallon Toastmasters Club #994 was chartered on April 24, 1961, by a group of men who met in a barn. Today, the O'Fallon club is a leader in the Area, Division, and the District organization of Toastmasters International. In addition, the O'Fallon club has had two members elected as an International Director of Toastmasters. Come visit one of our meetings to see what Toastmasters is like. Our club is noted for its warm, friendly atmosphere. You can just show up at one of our meetings - no booking, no forms, no costs - and you'll be made very welcome!
