 | | | | Feel free to contact us with any questions, suggestions or feedback. | | | | | | |  | | | | Here are some answers to typical questions. If you have more, please feel free to contact us.
When and where do you meet?
We meet twice a month on Tuesdays, assembling from around 7:00 for a prompt start at 7.30 p.m. Our venue is a function room at Cornerstone House.
Please check the schedule for upcoming dates.
What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters International is a training and educational organisation which teaches its members communication, leadership, training and management skills, and builds their self confidence. It is the largest and most successful organisation of its type in the world.
It is a not-for-profit organisation run as a network of clubs led by volunteers for volunteers.
How long has Toastmasters been around?
Toastmasters International was founded in 1924 and now has around 10,000 clubs in over 70 countries around the world. As a Toastmaster you will be welcome in any of these Clubs.
Why do people join Speakers of Croydon?
People join in order to:
| | » | | Develop the skills to persuade and convince others | | | » | | Learn to put their ideas across clearly and with conviction | | | » | | Improve their self-confidence before a group of people | | | » | | Learn to think quickly and clearly under pressure | | | » | | Learn to listen effectively and critically | | | » | | Train to become a good leader | | | » | | Have fun on Tuesday nights | |
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What specifically will you learn to do as a Toastmaster?
You will learn, by doing,
| | » | | How to give an impromptu speech | | | » | | How to give a prepared speech | | | » | | How to evaluate what you hear | | | » | | How to introduce speakers | | | » | | How to chair and run meetings | |
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All these skills will help you develop self confidence.
How do you learn these skills?
When you join you receive a complete training kit covering all aspects of speaking and evaluation. This kit includes a Communication and Leadership manual which reflects the years of experience Toastmasters has in helping people just like you. It takes you step by step through the art of making and evaluating speeches.
In particular you learn by doing with your efforts evaluated by your fellow Club members. You will be gradually introduced to the various roles within a Toastmasters meeting. Gaining proficiency in these helps build up your skills.
How soon will I be an expert?
People all progress at their own pace. Some move faster than others but everyone that joins Toastmasters and participates in the program can be sure they will become a competent speaker. Your skills develop gradually. As you proceed you will find that situations that once terrified you, now hold no fears for you.
Is it expensive?
No. In fact in comparison to various courses, seminars, programs, cassette and video kits offered through the media, Toastmasters is the least expensive and in our opinion the most effective way to learn public speaking and to develop confidence.
Membership of The Speakers of Croydon and thus of Toastmasters International is £15 (one-off enrolment fee) plus only £42 for every six months. That's equivalent to just £7 per month!
What do I need to do to join?
Anyone over the age of 18 years may join. Just come along to the Club as a guest. Visitors can come along free and are always assured of a friendly welcome without any obligation.
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