- This is a SAFE place to practice your speaking skills. Our nurturing environment helps you with your fear of public speaking and allows you to progress at your own pace through a program that's helped millions of people like you.
- Addison Singles Toastmasters is a PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED club, the highest rating given to a club. This means we meet or exceed 9 of the 10 club goals set by Toastmasters International, including membership growth, officer training, and individual members' achievements.
- We're a social group, and do we know how to have fun! Not only are the meetings a lot of fun, we socialize regularly after the meetings and hold parties, dances, dinners, and events throughout the year.
- What do I get when I join? You will immediately receive a manual from Toastmasters International that will help you get acquainted with the various meeting duties and the program of speeches. You'll be listed on our membership roster and invited to our social events. The Education officer will ask you how you would like to begin participating in the meetings. Usually, you will start out performing easy, minor duties for a meeting, then work your way into giving your first speech, the icebreaker, within a few months of joining (or sooner if you're ready).
What do you get out of Toastmasters? For me the biggest boost was the courage to speak my thoughts and opinions and courage to ask questions to gain better understanding. Before I joined Toastmasters the role I usually played in team meetings was to accept assignments and to pretty much read status that I had written down. I would hardly ever question a decision or be brave enough to give my opinion on how a situation should be handled. Toastmasters has definitely taught me to think on my feet and to have a better command of the language and has given a great setting to practice speaking in public. The bonds that you build with your fellow toastmasters definitely give you the support and encouragement to keep pushing yourself to break the barriers of fear of public speaking. -- Tom
- What does it cost? The monthly dues for both international and Addison Singles Toastmasters club is $6.50. It's payable twice a year ($39.00 each time) in March and October. That's only $1.50 per meeting! For new members, there is a one-time initiation fee. See the dues schedule for full details.
- What do I get for my dues investment? You will receive a New Member kit from Toastmasters International that includes a membership certificate, speaking tips and tool lists, and the Communication and Leadership Manual. This manual contains a description of 10 speeches that you'll give at your own pace and that will earn you the recognition of becoming a CTM (Competent Toastmaster). The manual also describes the various major and minor duties held during a meeting.
- Do I have to live or work in Addison to join? No. We are from all over the metroplex.
The training I've received from my TOASTMASTERS' experience has enhanced my performance in my position as an Instructional Specialist. Each duty I've performed at our weekly meetings has a direct correlation to a responsibility I have on my job. Whether I'm leading a meeting, facilitating a problem-solving session, or presenting a new instructional strategy, being active in our TOASTMASTERS' club has enabled me to handle my responsibilities with confidence and success! -- Pam
- If I come to a meeting, do I have to make up my mind about joining that night? No. We recommend you come back a few times so you can get to know our group. You might even want to visit other clubs in the area and find the one that fits you best.
- If I join, do I have to attend every week? While there is no requirement to attend every meeting, a Toastmaster's commitment is to attend the meetings regularly.
- How long does it take to get on the agenda if I want to give a speech? Our 90 minute format allows for three speakers per week, so there's seldom any wait to get on the agenda. Just contact the VP of Education who manages the duty roster.
- What growth opportunities does Toastmasters offer? Toastmasters offers nearly unlimited opportunity for growth. You can improve your public speaking skills and your interpersonal communication. You can learn how to work with and be a leader to people from all walks of life, and you can even learn how to run for office and hold high-profile positions. As if that weren't enough, you can also hone your skills as a professional speaker, competing for the coveted title of World Champion of Public Speaking.
