by Larry Prince, D25 Toastmaster Fundamentals Chair
Do you realize that when a person becomes a Toastmaster, they’re establishing a new social contract? The first few weeks of a Toastmaster’s journey are critical. The new member may think, “Have I made the right decision?” and “What is this all about?” or even “WHAT have I DONE??”
What do we expect from a new member? What can they expect from Toastmasters? How does the new member know what to expect? We hope to answer these questions and more with our new monthly Toastmasters Fundamentals Workshops.
Helen Blanchard, the first woman to become a Toastmaster and also the first female International Director, said “If a person gets out of Toastmasters what they came to get out of Toastmasters, they’ll never get out of Toastmasters!”
How do we ensure that new Toastmasters get out of Toastmasters what they want to get out of Toastmasters? How do we ensure that members don’t just … get out?
A new Toastmaster asked me the other day, “Do I have to stand behind a lectern to give a speech?” Follow-up question: “Can I use notes for my Ice Breaker?” Maybe that new member’s social contract was never signed!
I’m proud to announce a new Toastmasters Fundamentals Workshop Program in District 25. The training will be held once a month via Zoom and will last about an hour. A question-and-answer session is included. This workshop is open to any member, but we specifically invite those who have joined us in the past six months. Our first three workshops are already scheduled. See below for relevant information.
Similar introductory programs are already offered in other districts. These districts have seen higher levels of engagement and activity within clubs and at district events and trainings. D25 wants to provide this benefit to our new family members as well!
When a new Toastmaster starts out on the right foot with all the information and tools they need, they’re more likely to continue their journey. With this training, we ensure that the new member’s social contract is “signed, sealed, and delivered.”
Toastmaster Fundamentals Workshop 1
Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 7:00 pm
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5517026835?omn=89171012231
Meeting ID: 551 702 6835
Toastmaster Fundamentals Workshop 2
Thursday, May 16, 2024, 7:00 pm
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5517026835?omn=82049875618
Meeting ID: 551 702 6835
Toastmaster Fundamentals Workshop 3
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 7:00 pm
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5517026835?omn=85423801187
Meeting ID: 551 702 6835
