What to expect at a CCTM meeting
We usually have between 15-20 members at our meetings. That's big enough to make you feel like you're talking to a group, but not so huge that you want to crawl under a rock.
We follow an established agenda that includes chances for both prepared and spontaneous speaking. Our members may choose to speak for just one minute, or maybe 10 or more. They choose the role they want to fulfill before the meeting ever starts. Here's how it works:
1. Come to a CCTM meeting at Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake (in front of Best Buy). We will greet you warmly and have printed information ready for you. We'll ask your name, and introduce you as a guest at the start of the meeting. You won't have to stand up or say anything if you don't want to.
2. Relax and watch. Enjoy yourself! There is always plenty of laughter, especially during the "Funny Bone," which is a short joke told as one of the "opening acts" of each meeting. Its purpose is to loosen everyone up a little, and give one of our speakers a chance to get up there and practice some joke-telling.
3. The "meat of the meeting" comes next, with speeches that have been prepared and rehearsed ahead of time by our members. These are the speeches that count toward the Toastmasters awards "Competent Communicator," "Advanced Communicator," and more.
This can be your chance to test out the next big presentation you have to give at work...here in front of friendly faces who can offer plenty of constructive feedback. That way, when it's time to get up in front of an audience of co-workers (and bosses), you'll be the coolest cucumber in the room, because you've done all of this before.
4. After the "prepared speeches" portion of the show, comes "Table Topics." This is where audience members are asked a question and one lucky person is chosen to come up and respond.
These questions are always general: "What's the best vacation you ever took?" "If you could give one piece of advice to a teenager starting her first job, what would it be?" As a guest, you may be invited to give it a whirl. You can say no and we won't pressure you, but the guests who jump in, always have a great time.
5. The meeting closes with an evaluation and overview of how smoothly things went, tips for the folks who did prepared speeches, and info on coming events.
You may see a clipboard making the rounds of the room--that's where our members sign up for the role they want to perform at the next meeting: Toastmaster of the Day, Funny Bone, Prepared Speech, or any one of several other jobs. Each position is guaranteed to teach you something about running and attending meetings; allow you to flex your "public speaking muscles"; and let you have some fun.
6. Our president always invites guests to offer their opinions of how they felt about the meeting and what they learned or observed. We always enjoy hearing these fresh views...and we've picked up some great ideas along the way.
7. Our VP of Membership will offer you more information on becoming a Toastmaster, or if you want, sign you up right there.
Toastmasters is one of the best bargains available when it comes to public speaking and leadership skills. For far less than the cost of a college course or corporate seminar, you will get the knowledge and guidance you need to become the speaker and leader you want to be.
8. We'll see you at our next meeting!!