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Where else can you go to learn by doing, to have fun, to be among friends and to weekly improve your speaking skills? Contact: Webster Groves Toastmasters for more information: 314-746-9261 |
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2009-2010 Club Officers
Links Section
President:
Joe Taylor
VP of Education:
Kathleen Wolfersberger
VP of Membership:
Diana Sullivan
VP of Public Relations:
Kim Hughes
Secretary:
Mike Jacobson
Sergeant at Arms:
Dave Rudis
TOASMASTERS INTERNATIONAL TIPS NEWSLETTER
FAQs
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I am fearful of speaking in public, and I'm not sure if joining Toastmasters would be the best thing for me.
Thousands of Toastmaster members have felt exactly as you do! Of course, fear of the unknown affects everyone; the worst thing you can do is cater to that fear and allow it to control your life. The first step in overcoming that fear is visiting the Webster Groves Toastmasters Club. You will not be forced to speak or participate unless you want to. It's a safe and private environment where individuals practice public speaking in front of a small group (10-15+). Once you join and begin attending meetings regularly, you will find that your confidence increases as does your desire to speak. It's a win-win situation. Make the first step by visiting us during our next meeting (every Tuesday, 6:30p).
But I will be speaking before a group of professional Toastmasters who have more experience than me. I will make a fool of myself!
Nonsense! :) Again, you don't have to speak unless you would like to. Our group consists of veteran members, as well as new ones. One thing we have in common though is the desire to improve our communications skills and overcome the fear of speaking publicly. We are here to work with you in developing your voice and becoming more at ease with speaking before a group. You will be surrounded by supportive people who care and want you to succeed.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably. Wear what makes you feel best! Many of our members dress "business casual."
How long does the meeting last, and what if I have to leave early?
We meet every Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Our meeting typically lasts an hour and a half. You may leave at any time, although we hope you will want to stick around and give us your feedback and thoughts about our Club.
What is Table Topics and can I participate?
Table Topics is part of every Toastmasters meeting. A member who agrees to play the role of Table Topics Master (TTM) comes to the meeting with a list of questions that have a theme. The theme of questions could be anything from local news topics to music to sports to...basically any topic the TTM wants. The TTM then asks each member a question; the member called upon will stand up front at the lectern and speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes. If time allows, after all members have participated, visitors (non-members) will be asked if they'd like to participate. But again, it's up to the visitor whether or not s/he would like to participate. Most folks find Table Topics quite enjoyable, and at times humorous depending on the topic.
What if I want to participate in Table Topics, but I know nothing about the Topic?
That happens to everyone at some point, and that's exactly why Table Topics is such a great exercise: it helps us improve as speakers! It teaches us about impromptu speaking, which is a wonderful skill to develop for social situations, as well as the office. None of us have all of the answers all of the time; that's half the fun! Relax and give yourself the chance to explore the topic conversationally (as if you were speaking to a group of friends); you may come up with more answers than you think! You are always able to change the question, if no answers come to you. And, there is no one right answer! The answer you give will be the "right one!"
Have other questions? Feel free to email or call the club.
