The questions below are those most frequently asked, but you must understand that whilst the club is open to everyone to visit some aspects of a club meeting are only available to paid-up members. Some questions/answers relate clearly to guest enquiries and some give more information for those who want to join.
What is Toastmasters International and Bradford Speaks?
How can I become a member of Toastmasters International?
What are the benefits of being a member of Toastmasters International?
How does it work?
How can I request a slot to speak at a meeting?
Evaluation of your speeches?
How long does a meeting last?
Can I just watch and listen?
How many people normally attend?
Do I have to book to attend?
Do I have to attend every meeting?
What are the roles during a meeting?
How often do club meetings take place?
Can I join Toastmasters if I have no prior public speaking experience?
Are there any age restrictions to become a member of Toastmasters International?
How much does it cost to be a member of Toastmasters International?
Can Toastmasters help me improve my leadership skills?
Are there any opportunities for networking within Toastmasters International?
Q: What is Toastmasters International and Bradford Speaks?
A: Toastmasters International is a non-profit global organisation that helps individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills through a supportive and structured environment. Bradford Speaks is a local club affiliated with Toastmasters International and is run by a committee of members.
Q: How can I become a member of Toastmasters International?
A: To become a member, you can visit Bradford Speaks. Contact the club and attend a meeting as a guest. If you decide to join, you can fill out a membership application form provided by the club and arrange payment. Further information and forms are available on this page CLICK HERE
back to top
Q: What are the benefits of being a member of Toastmasters International?
A: As a member, you will have the opportunity to improve your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. You will also gain confidence, receive constructive feedback, and network with like-minded individuals.
Q: How does it work?
A: Members enrol on a pathway which is an online learning tool. Your pathway presents you with speaking tasks that you must follow to achieve each of the five levels within your pathway. You work on speaking projects via the pathway portal and use the club meetings to deliver your speeches and enjoy the practical experience of your communication skills development.
Q: How can I request a slot to speak at a meeting?
A: Only members can deliver a prepared speech as part of their pathway journey at a club meeting. As a member you will have access to a meeting management platform called EasySpeak where you would be expected to request a slot from three possible future meetings and the VP of Education will allocate you a slot and confirm with you directly.
back to top
Q: Evaluation of your speeches?
A: Evaluation is key to our success in developing confident speakers and is vital to our member’s learning. Everything we do at our meetings is evaluated. Members who deliver prepared speeches are evaluated by other members and provided with a verbal report during the meeting and a written report to refer to.
Q: How long does a meeting last?
A: Generally our meetings last between 1 1/2hours and 2hours. Our agenda’s are timed to ensure that we aim to start and finish on time. Obviously, the length of the meeting depends on how many speakers we have which is normally limited to three prepared speeches. The meeting doesn’t ‘last’ for you to endure, it is not a training course. Each and every meeting is for each and every member to grow, therefore, your new communication development support network is an experience and we all rely on each other to achieve our goals. Your input to our club, our meetings and our members is just as important as what you get out of being a member. Please don’t forget that this is something you want to do with your own time to improve yourself it really shouldn’t be timebound.
Q: Can I just watch and listen?
A: As a guest you can just watch and listen OR you can use the opportunity to stretch yourself. However, as a member it would be a waste of your time and money to just watch and listen. The sooner you embrace the opportunity and start testing yourself the sooner your skills and confidence will flourish and you will achieve your personal goals.
back to top
Q: How many people normally attend?
A: Around 15-20 people including guests.
Q: Do I have to book to attend?
A: As a guest, no! Just call in and we’ll aim to make you feel welcome and comfortable. As a member you will have access to a meeting management platform called EasySpeak and you would normally be expected to register your attendance.
Q: Do I have to attend every meeting?
A: The simple answer is no, the right answer only you will know! You can compare your attendance at club meetings to joining a gym, the more time and effort you put in to your fitness training routine, the quicker you achieve your fitness goals, there is no difference with Toastmasters except you won’t need a shower afterwards, hehehe. Whilst Bradford Speaks meets twice a month on a Wednesday, other clubs around the region meet on different weeks and different days of the week so there is plenty of opportunity for members to catch up on their communication goals or even attend another club meeting whilst on holiday, if required.
Q: What are the roles during a meeting?
A: Taking a role which helps facilitate a club meeting is strictly for members only. A role provides members with the opportunity to develop many skills and adds to the variety of the learning experience.
back to top
Q: How often do club meetings take place?
A: Bradford Speaks meetings typically take place twice a month, depending on the club. From time to time we may host additional meetings, workshops and competitions for members to practice their skills.
Q: Can I join Toastmasters if I have no prior public speaking experience?
A: Absolutely! Toastmasters is a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all skill levels. Many members join with little to no public speaking experience and gradually improve over time.
Q: Are there any age restrictions to become a member of Toastmasters International?
A: Yes, you must be 18 years or older to become a member of Toastmasters International.
back to top
Q: How much does it cost to be a member of Toastmasters International?
A: The cost of membership varies depending on the club and location. A one-off joining fee of £60 is applicable to all new members. A monthly membership fee of £13.00/month or £78.00 every six months is payable by standing order (banking information available on request) to cover club expenses and resources.
Q: Can Toastmasters help me improve my leadership skills?
A: Yes, Toastmasters offers various leadership opportunities within the club, such as serving as an officer or organising club events. These experiences can help you develop and enhance your leadership abilities.
Q: Are there any opportunities for networking within Toastmasters International?
A: Yes, Toastmasters provides a platform for networking with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions. You can connect with fellow members, attend area, division and district-level events, and participate in conferences to expand your network.