So you would like to take the first steps towards improving your public speaking skills and visit National Toastmasters? Below are some frequently asked questions about visiting our club.
- Who can attend a meeting of National Toastmasters Club?
National welcomes anyone who is interested in improving his or her public speaking, communication or leadership skills.
- Do I need to have any experience?
As they say, 'no experience necessary'. Also you should remember that we all started off as novices or beginners.
- What days do National Toastmasters meet?
Our club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month. Take a look at the Events page to see when the next meeting is.
- What time are the meetings held?
Meetings start at 6:15pm and normally run until between 8:30 and 9:00pm. We encourage visitors and guests to arrive early (around 6pm) so that we can properly welcome you and answer any questions you have before the meeting starts (although you can also ask questions during the meeting).
- Where does National Toastmasters meet?
Our club is located in the CBD of Sydney, Australia. To be more exact we meet at at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel at 169 Castlereagh St (see map below). Once you get to the hotel take the lift or walk up the stairs to the level 1 meeting room.
- What happens at a club meeting?
The format of a Toastmasters meeting varies slightly from club to club, but here’s what happens at a National Toastmasters meeting.
Call To Order & Introductions
Toast Of The Day
Impromptu speeches (also known as Table Topics)
Table Tonic (a light hearted short story)
Refreshment Break
Prepared Speeches (also known as manual speeches)
Evaluation of Speeches
Business Session (every 2nd meeting)
Meeting close
- Can visitors take part in the meetings?
We encourage visitors to take part in meetings. If you'd like to participate just ask someone before the meeting starts or speak up when an opportunity presents itself during the meeting. Table Topics is a good chance to take part in a meeting. Sometimes visitors prefer just to watch, this is fine as well. There is no pressure on you to participate if you don't want to. It's not uncommon for visitors to attend a meeting or two before actively participating.
- How much does it cost?
For first time visitors or guests there is no charge. For each subsequent meeting that you attend there is a $5 meeting fee. This helps cover the cost of the room hire. If you decide to become a member there is also a membership fee.
If you need further information before attending a meeting you can ask questions via phone and email - the number and address are at the top of each page of this website and also on the Contact Us page. While at a meeting you can speak to any of the club members or excutive members (they normally introduce themselves at the start of the meeting). We are always happy to answer questions.