The Toastmaster Learning Environment
--Club or Classroom? Compare the two!--
- 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