28 July 2024

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often does Buona Vista Toastmasters Club (BVTMC) meet, and what is the meeting format?

Our club meets at Buona Vista Community Club every first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. Each meeting follows a structured format: Prepared speeches, evaluations, and impromptu speaking (Table Topics – with a theme!).
Click here to read a past meeting recap.

Occasionally, we will introduce workshops and speech contests too. Follow our socials for the latest updates!

Q2: Can I visit a meeting before deciding to join?

Absolutely! Feel free to visit our club meetings to see how Toastmasters works and get to know our members. No obligations to join as a member after visiting. 🙂 Register to visit here.

Q3: How can I get to Buona Vista Toastmasters Club?

Our club is easily accessible via public transport and car. Find out more details here!


Q4: What are the benefits of joining Buona Vista Toastmasters Club?

Numerous! Our club is a platform to improve your public speaking and communication skills while increasing your self-confidence in an encouraging environment. Being a member also gives you access to personalised feedback and mentoring. 

Our club stands out for our enthusiastic and fun culture, making our meetings not only educational but engaging! Our members find it easy to relate to one another, fostering a supportive community that encourages growth in a fun and relaxed setting. 

Q5: What makes Toastmasters unique compared to other public speaking programs?

Toastmasters is unique because it offers a self-paced, experiential learning environment where members can practice and develop their skills in a supportive community. The Pathways education program allows you to customise your learning experience to your personal and professional goals. In BVTMC, we provide monthly speaking opportunities, constructive feedback to your speeches, and opportunities for leadership development. 

Q6: How can Toastmasters help with my professional development?

Enhance your communication and leadership skills through learning how to effectively present ideas, chair meetings, provide and receive constructive feedback, and build your self-confidence. Our members have used these invaluable skills in professional settings, and we believe it can help you advance in your career too.

Q7: How does Toastmasters help with impromptu speaking skills?

Toastmasters meetings include a segment called Table Topics, where members are asked to speak spontaneously on a given topic for 1-2 minutes. This exercise helps you practice thinking and articulating your thoughts on the spot, enhancing your impromptu speaking skills. You are welcome to try this at our monthly meetings even as a guest! We would love to hear your creative and fun ideas in table topics.

Q8: What are the fees to join our club?

Membership fees of $240 are collected every September, plus a one-time new member fee of $50 for new members. Fees are adjusted according to the month you join. These fees cover your membership dues, access to the Pathways learning experience, and club resources. 

Q9: What is the process for becoming a member?

To become a member, simply reach out to our Vice President of Membership who will ask you to complete a membership application form and pay the membership fee. As much as possible, BVTMC will make the enrolment exercise as seamless as possible for you.

Q10: What kind of support and resources are available to new members?

After your membership is processed, you will gain access to all member resources on the Toastmasters International (TI) website and can start your Pathways journey! Put the resources learned from the TI website into practice by delivering your first icebreaker speech and receiving feedback for it. BVTMC will assign you a mentor to guide you through your Toastmasters journey. Read about our mentors here!

Q11: What is the Pathways education program?

The Pathways education program offers 11 different paths that focus on different areas such as public speaking, leadership development, and communication. Each path consists of a series of projects that help you build the skills you need to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Image Credits: Universal Toastmasters Club of Cotonou


Q12: Are there opportunities for leadership roles within the club?

Definitely! Toastmasters offers numerous leadership opportunities at the club level and beyond. At BVTMC, you can serve in various roles such as Club President, Vice President of Education, Vice President of Membership, and more. These roles help you develop essential leadership skills and contribute to the club’s success.

Q13: Are there any social or networking events organized by the club?

Yes, our club regularly organizes events such as workshops and social gatherings. These provide additional opportunities for members to connect, share experiences, and build relationships in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

If you have any other questions, you can reach out to us via our socials or email BuonaVistaTMC@gmail.com😊