Building a Toastmasters Club

I have received a comment on my post about our Toastmasters Club. It says that she wants to know how to build one. So, I decided to share some insights here. Before you really get started, here are the 5 most important things you should consider:

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1. Do some homework

Basically, you should log on to www.toastmasters.org to get the necessary requirements to have a Toastmasters Club. From there, you will also learn the benefits you can get from being a club member – public-speaking, leadership, etc. I guarantee you will have great benefits being a member of this club.

2. Ask yourself questions

            Ask yourself so many questions. Why do you want to have this club? Are you really sure you want or need this? Will you be persistent with your commitment as a member? If you are not sure of your answers, then do not dare to start it. If you do despite your doubts it will just be a waste of your time and effort. It takes a lot of persistent dedication to keep your club alive.

3. Gather 20 prospect members

Talk to at least 20 people regarding the club. Talk to your friends, your co-workers and even your bosses, especially those who are interested to join the club. Stir their curiosity with what you have researched. But why 20…? 20 is the minimum number of members to start the club.

4. Seek help

Trace the closest local club in your area. Their contacts are published in the Toastmasters website. Contact them. Tell them you need their help to establish a club. I tell you they are more than willing to help. You will be surprised on their kindness. They will invite you and your prospect club members to be their guest during their meeting. You will discuss with them what you need to charter the club.

5. Be ready

Be ready on many things. Be ready on the fees. You need to pay some dues for the membership. Don’t worry. It is not that much compared to fees you pay in seminars. For exact details, log on to www.toastmasters.org. For an international club like this, I tell you the benefit you get is worth it. As the one who first initiated in putting the club, be ready with some consequences. Some may back out when they know about fees. It hurts but some people just are like that. Some people want to gain without having to invest. Well, don’t force them. It is their loss, not yours.

There are two ways to become a great leader and a great public speaker at the same time. One is by birth. Some people are just born with the gift. It is not their fault. They did not even realize they have them. It’s stitched in them. But if we are not that lucky or blessed with such skills, the only thing we could do is by training. The best training we could do is practice. The best time to practice is now. And one of the best avenues to practice is in Toastmasters Club.

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