Is Toastmaster like a public speaking class?
No, Toastmasters is more like a club. We have 'meetings' every week, where there is no teacher and there are so students. We all learn from ourselves and each other. Everyone contributes and plays a different role in each meeting. Toastmasters is a non for profit organization and everyone is involved voluntarily and not for any monetary benefits. No one is forced to give speeches or take up roles they aren't comfortable with and everybody goes according to their own pace.
Can I attend the meeting without being a member?
Yes, you can most certainly attend meetings as a guest. We welcome guests to our meetings as we want people to experience our club before they make a decision to join us as a member.
Details about upcoming meetings can be found here
How can I become a member?
Becoming a member is simple. All you have to do is fill up a form and pay the membership fees. Details can be found here.
Do I have to speak if I don't want to?
You don't have to speak if you don't feel too comfortable doing so. Everyone at the club is very understanding and we all try to help each other in improving communication and leadership skills.
What age group do I have to be in to be able to join?
To be eligible to join, you need to be atleast 18 years old. We have members spanning a wide age group, which adds to the diversity of the club.
If Toastmasters is all voluntary, then who organizes its meetings?
Every club has a team of 7 members called the Executive Committee. The EC, as we call it, includes members playing various tasks and collectively runs the club. Being a part of the EC is a great way to enhance your leadership skills. The EC is reconstituted every 6 months.
Is JPKU Toastmasters one of its kind?
JPKU Toastmasters is one of the many clubs of Toastmasters International, which has clubs all over the world. However, JPKU is unique in its enthusiastic and easy going environment and acts more like a family than a club.
How many members does the club currently have?
Is it okay if I am not fluent in English?
It is perfectly fine if you are not fluent in English. In fact, that is one of the reasons people join Toastmasters. Speaking fluent english is a growing need in the professional world, and toastmasters helps you achieve it.
Can I participate in a contest if I'm not a member?
No, you cannot participate in a contest if you aren't a member. You need to become a member to do so.
