Membership Information Page
The Mission of the Club
To provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment allowing every member the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills which, in turn, foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Membership form and dues
Ask any Bearcat Toastmasters Club officer for a membership form. Membership dues are generally collected twice a year (in March, for the membership period April to September; in September, for the membership period October to March). You pay the prevailing International Toastmasters fee and a minimal club fee.
There is a one-time New Member Fee that covers payment for four inexpensive speech manuals. The first two manuals will be sent to you immediately after Toastmasters International recognizes your formal membership. The next two manuals will be sent to you after you have finished your Competent Communicator projects.
Membership dues are prorated (based on monthly rates) according to your start date. Henceforth, a six-month membership renewal will have to be paid to the club according to the abovementioned schedules.
From Toastmasters International...
Being a Toastmaster means more than simply making a commitment to self-development. Everyone who joins a Toastmasters club is making a commitment to the club, to its members and to the organization as a whole.
A Toastmaster's Promise
As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise...
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To attend club meetings regularly;
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To prepare all of my speech and leadership projects to the best of my ability, basing them on projects in the Competent Communication, Advanced Communication or Competent Leadership manuals;
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To prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments;
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To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations;
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To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow;
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To serve my club as an officer when called to do so;
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To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy;
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To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers;
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To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters educational and recognition programs.
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To maintain honest and highly ethical standards during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities.
As you become a member...
You will receive two basic manuals: (1) Communication and Leadership Program Manual and (2) the Competent Leadership Manual. These basic manuals embody the two main threads of professional develpment intended for every toastmaster. After these basic projects, all members are encouraged to pursue advanced projects along the communication and leadership tracks.
The first manual has guidelines for the 10 speech projects designed to help you to become a Competent Communicator (CC). Each project calls on you to prepare a speech on a subject of your own choosing. In this manual you are given certain speaking principles such as body language, vocal variety, etc. Each of this project lists the objectives for that speech and includes a written checklist for the evaluation of your speech.
The second manual provides guidelines for helping you become a Competent Leader (CL). You are encouraged to accomplish 10 projects that focus on different aspects, qualities, and characteristics of good leadership. Many of these projects can be accomplished by volunteering to participate in regular club meeting roles. Each project is evaluated and dated.
Objectives: To begin speaking before an audience; getting over nervousness by introducing yourself to the club.
Time: 4 to 6 minutes
Objectives: continue to get over nervousness by speaking about something you believe deeply in.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: work on giving a well-organized speech containing an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: Work with gestures and body language during your speech; explore the different ways of using body language.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: Work on rate of delivery, volume, speed, pitch, emphasis, etc. Try to achieve a pleasing natural voice quality when speaking.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: Select precisely the right words required to communicate your ideas clearly and vividly. Avoid lengthy words and long, complex sentences.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: Practice all the skills you've learned up to this point. Make a personal evaluation of your progress.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: Learn the value of props in speaking. Choose appropriate props, and display them at the right moment of your speech.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: Give a persuasive speech on a controversial issue. Convince the audience to accept your proposal or viewpoint.
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Objectives: The final speech in the manual calls on you to move and inspire your audience in a well-presented and well-prepared speech.
Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Competent Leader (CL)
- Listening and Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Giving Feedback
- Time Management
- Planning and Implementation
- Organizing and Delegating
- Developing Your Facilitation Skills
- Motivating People
- Mentoring
- Team Building
You are most welcome to Bearcat Toastmasters!
Have FUN!!!
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