10 Tips for Making the Most of Membership

There is a lot to Toastmasters, such as speaking, leadership, and other skills that translate outside of the organization. I’ve learned a lot since joining in 2006. Some lessons I have passed on through my Toolbox articles in the Toastmaster, but many topics can be addressed in just a short paragraph. Let’s take a look at some of those.

 

Here are my top 10 tips for Toastmasters.

1 Take the time to learn new skills. Public speaking is more than just opening your mouth and talking.

It involves planning, organization, word selection, and delivery. And there are many subcategories under each of these. If you want to be an effective speaker and accomplish an objective, then dedicate yourself to learning new skills and becoming excellent in each of these categories.

2 Focus on your delivery as much as your words.

There are some objectives common to each speech. First, you want your listeners to stay awake. Second, you want them to understand what is truly important in your message. And finally, you want them to take some sort of action, even if it is just caring about the information you give them. This is where speech delivery comes in. While words communicate information, delivery communicates emotion. It moves the heart, which is where decisions often come from.

3 Seek to take giant steps.

The Toastmasters program gives you the opportunity to grow. Do you want to be slightly better than you are now, or do you want to truly transform your speaking? You have a choice. Strive to have a breakthrough experience with every speech.

4 If you are an officer, take the time to learn your position.

The leadership structure of a Toastmasters club is designed to support members and aid in the club’s success. It can be easy to agree to sit on the Club Executive Committee and then do nothing, but it’s important to know what your responsibilities are. Know what your tasks are by learning your role.

5 Use the resources Toastmasters provides.

There is a wealth of information in the Toastmasters Resource Library. Some of it relates to the education program and some pertains to the officers. But there are also a lot of resources that can help you grow your speaking skills. Take time to learn what the organization offers.

6 Challenge yourself to try new things.

From time to time, you may be asked to take on a project that is outside of your comfort zone. For example, years ago I was asked to write an article for the Toastmaster magazine. I did not view myself as a writer, but I said “yes” anyway. That ultimately resulted in me writing this monthly column. What hidden skills can you discover?

7 Don’t rely on one person to do it all.

Some members band together to handle all the club meeting functions. Others rely on one person to be the chief, cook, and bottlewasher. I have been in both of those situations. The second option is not conducive to a strong club. It can also cause burnout for the person in that role. Don’t let this happen in your club.

8 Don’t neglect joint club officer meetings.

Occasionally, your District may have meetings where the various club officers share information. This is in addition to Club Officer Training. Attend as many of these events as you can. It will help you become a better club leader.

9 Expand your network.

Toastmasters offers many opportunities to meet and interact with others you may not otherwise have met. Don’t be reluctant to get involved in Area, Division, and District activities. Those who attend are leaders. They are good people to know and to learn from, and who knows where these connections may lead.

10 Find a local Toastmasters club when you move into a new hometown.

Four years ago I moved to a small town in a new state. I didn’t know anybody here. The local club gave me instant access to the community. If you are moving, get involved in a local club as soon as you can. It will make the transition so much easier.

 

Hopefully these tips encourage you and challenge you to strive for excellence. They have for me. Happy Toastmastering.