Introduction | How Meetings Work | Your First 10 Speeches | Awards & Manuals Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn at Toastmasters?
Toastmasters can help you in a variety of areas including delivering prepared speeches, making impromptu speeches, conducting meetings, evaluating people, managing people, and developing leadership skills.
In addition, joining Chatter by the Charles Toastmasters will allow you to tap into rich educational resources both from experienced club members and from various newsletters and documents produced by Toastmasters International.

Is this a Class?
No. The Toastmasters program is more like a cooperative workshop. It is a self-paced program. We practice various aspects of public speaking (such as vocal variety and body language) in Club meetings, and receive supportive and constructive evaluations by Club members.

Does Chatter by the Charles have an education process?
Toastmasters has an integrated learning process that guides members at their own pace on the journey to becoming a great speaker. As a new member, you will be working from the Communication and Leadership Manual, which describes 10 speech projects designed to develop various aspects of your speaking skills. Once you have completed these 10 speeches, you will be designated a Competent Communicator (CC), the first of several Toastmasters distinctions.

When do you meet?
Meetings are held every Wednesday from 12:30-1:30 PM in Building E19 (400 Main Street), Room 306, on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just down the street from the Kendall T stop on the Red Line.

What are the requirements of membership?
To keep the club running smoothly, we ask that all members follow these guidelines:

• Attend meetings regularly
• Serve in meeting roles (on average, every other week)
• If you know you will be absent from a meeting, indicate that on the meeting roles sign-up sheet, or email the VP Education
• Contribute to the overall success & running of the club
• Keep your goals in mind

When can I join?
Anytime. When you are ready to join, please speak with a club officer for assistance. Also, see the membership guide for information.

Can I attend meetings without joining?
Yes. All meetings are open to the general public. You may visit as many times as you would like. However, only by joining will you be able to give speeches, take on advanced meeting roles, and earn credits toward Communication and Leadership Awards.

How much does it cost?
New members initially pay between $25 and $40, depending on the month in which they join. Semi-annual dues of $20 are then due each April and October. See the dues grid for more information.

What do I get in return for my dues?
As a member of Toastmasters International, you will receive a monthly subscription to the Toastmaster magazine and a new member kit, containing the CC (Competent Communicator) Manual plus three pamphlets entitled "Your Speaking Voice," "Gestures: Your Body Speaks," and "Effective Speech Evaluation." In addition, your dues support the development of new education programs, operations at World Headquarters, and your local District organization.

What if I get very busy and can't keep up?
The Toastmasters program is completely self-paced. You may speak as frequently or infrequently as you wish. You are not required to attend every meeting, and you do not have to prepare a speech for each meeting. There are many meeting roles that require no advance preparation. The more active your participation, however, the more your speaking and leadership skills will benefit.

Where can I find more information?
You'll find lots of other information about Toastmasters on this site, but one of the best ways to learn about us is to visit a meeting. Guests are always welcome.

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