Club or Classroom? Compare the two!
The Toastmaster Learning Environment
- Toastmasters is a peer-group learning environment; we learn from fellow members rather than being led by a (professional) teacher.
- Each member progresses at a self-determined pace through a comprehensive variety of speech assignments. Progress is charted individually, rather than applied uniformly from a prescheduled, standarized syllabus.
- Leadership roles are filled on a volunteer basis with members elected as officers. Club executive boards make informed decisions that will effectively meet the needs of their active members. Toastmasters International provides a charter and administrative guidelines, but does not manage its individual clubs.
- At each meeting, members either volunteer or are assigned all administrative duties; there are no paid faculty/workers to conduct facility maintenance, order supplies, etc. The club members share in filling the club's administrative needs.
- The Toastmasters program is designed to encourage development of speaking, listening, analytical, evaluation, leadership and administrative skills. Members have many opportunites to volunteer for both speaking and non-speaking roles (editing a club newsletter, competing in contests, representing the club at local events, etc.) Classes are intended to teach speaking skills only; other skills may never be addressed or utilized during the semester.
- Toastmasters International consists of thousands of individuals, who meet in over 8,000 clubs all over the world. The opportunites to learn, share and contribute to the future of the organization can inspire a life-long commitment at the club, district and international levels. A class, however, may only last for a single semester, and seldom provides an opportunity for students to give back some of what they have learned.
The Toastmasters learning experience is unlike any class you have ever taken.
The differences may be surprising for a first time guest. However, if you are
aware of the unique nature of our "mutually supportive learning environment",
you may find that it is just your cup of tea! Above are some key differences
between a Toastmasters International "club" and a public speaking "classroom".
Does any of this change your ideas about which environment is best for you?
Remember that many people benefit from the structure of a class environment,
while others wouldn't exchange the many growth opportunities presented by
Toastmasters for anything else. Do what best suits your needs, and remember
that when in Rome - or in Toastmasters - do as the others do. Be ready to
actively participate: schedule regular speeches, support your fellow members,
and fill your assigned roles during the meetings. By taking advantage of the
participatory opportunities within the club environment, you'll help to insure
that the authentic toastmaster experience is there for the next person
who walk in the door!
by Shelia Spencer, CTM District 46 Club 4722
Taken from Midtown Toastmaster's Newsletter March, 1997
The Mission of the Club is to provide a mutually supportive and
positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity
to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster
self-confidence and personal growth. See A Toastmaster's Promise
below.
More Toastmaster Information
A Toastmaster's Promise
Joel Furr's Frequently Asked Questions reformatted and updated by Jim Robertson
A Typical Meeting from Grand Rapids
New Member Assistance
Toastmasters International Home Page
Toastmaster Testimonials
Web entry to Toastmasters newsgroup through Remarq.
Blue Ribbon Home Page
Email: brtm@rocketmail.com
