👋 For guests

How often can we attend as guests?

• Guests can attend as many times as they’d like! As a guest, you can give audience feedback and participate in Table Topics (impromptu speaking).

What to expect at a Mountain View Toastmasters meeting:

• At the beginning of the meeting, you’ll be invited to briefly introduce yourself.

• You’re encouraged to participate during the meeting by writing evaluations for speakers and if time allows, you can participate during Table Topics (impromptu speaking).

• At the end of the meeting, you'll be asked to share any feedback about the meeting. This video shows what to expect from a typical Toastmasters meeting: https://youtu.be/383gehepo8M

AGENDA FOR A STANDARD MVTM MEETING:
7:00 Meeting begins promptly - Guest introductions
7:04 Jokemaster & Functionary introductions
7:10 Prepared speeches
7:25 Table Topics (impromptu speeches)
7:40 Evaluations of prepared speeches + feedback
7:50 Guest comments + Tip of the Day
7:55 Fill roles for next meeting + Club announcements
8:00 Meeting ends

Why should we join Toastmasters?

• Prepared speeches and functionary roles are reserved for paying members

• You may notice that every meeting has functionary roles (Weekly Toastmaster, Jokemaster, General Evaluator, Recorder, Timer, Ah Counter, Wordmaster/Grammarian, Table Topics Master, Speech Evaluator), which provide opportunities for any member to practice speaking, moderating, listening, giving feedback, and running an event, even when they're not giving a prepared speech that week.

• A Toastmasters meeting is a weekly multi-skill workshop for all club members!

• Members can also become club officers, which is an opportunity to practice decision-making, collaborating, negotiating, delegating, and other leadership skills within an encouraging group—a condition that isn't usually available in the workplace!

How are prepared speeches chosen/what is Pathways?

• Prepared speeches are the output of projects in Pathways, which is the Toastmasters education system.

• Pathways has 11 specialized learning Paths (click here for an overview of the 11 Paths and the projects in them)

• Each Path takes members through 5 Levels of projects, starting with the beginner's Ice Breaker and ending with an advanced speech at the end. Each path is structured to help members steadily acquire new skills.

• The topic of each speech is totally up to the Toastmaster! We always recommend picking topics that are well-suited for / allow the member to embrace the project goals. That's the best way to improve and build skills.

How should I pick a club?

• Pick our club! Just kidding. We highly recommend just visiting clubs; it's the best way to get a feel for the club culture and whether it meets what you're looking for.

• Consider what fits your schedule too: will it work for your commute or childcare needs, can you make meetings easily, etc.

I'd like to join! How much does it cost?

• We renew twice a year, and costs are pro-rated based on the month you join! Here's a summary of the fees: mvtm.club/costs