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Toastmasters Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your questions about the Toastmasters Club that meets at the Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Center.

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is an educational club designed to improve communication and leadership skills. We help people overcome the fear and nervousness associated with public speaking. The Toastmasters International web page has more information.

Educational? Does that mean tests and grades?

No! There are no teachers, tests, or grades. We learn by practice and constructive evaluation. Everyone learns at their own pace. Members sign up for speaking roles at an upcoming meeting, and use the opportunity to practice delivering a speech. Another member gives an oral evaluation of the speech. The evaluation is designed to be constructive, showing high points of the speech, and possible room for improvement. It is designed to encourage the speaker to do even better with the next speech. Meanwhile, the evaluator gains practice giving constructive evaluations. We all learn to be better speakers and leaders.

Must I speak?

Guests need not speak. Guests may choose to join us in Table Topics, and add comments at the end of the meeting, or guests may pass. Guests are welcome to remain guests for as long as it takes till they are ready to join us.

Members typically speak at every meeting. New members may start with easy roles, gradually working their way up to the podium for their first formal speech.

What is the topic of a meeting and its speeches?

Meetings always have a topic of general interest. For example, "Vacations", "Reach for the Stars", "War and Peace" or "Hobbies, Sports and Fun". The Toastmaster of the afternoon sets the agenda and the topic, but speakers and functionaries are welcome to go off topic if they choose.

For example, what topics for speeches did you choose?

I have delivered four speeches. "Technology for Entertainment" -- A speech about my career aspirations. "At What Cost?" -- An alternative view of the war on drugs. "Our Next Public Utility" -- Public policy and the internet. "Californians, Wimps? I Think Not!" -- An entertaining speech about the awesome weather in California.

What happens at a typical meeting? Who sets the agenda?

Please see the Typical Agenda page for more information. But briefly, the Toastmaster of the afternoon sets and publishes the agenda. A typical meeting will have three parts, Table Topics, Formal Speeches, and Evaluations.

What are Table Topics?

Table Topics is the part of the meeting where members are called upon to deliver a one to two minute impromptu speech. At first this may seem scary, but with practice it's quite fun to use the opportunity to share thoughts or tell a funny story. Don't worry about a difficult topic. Speakers are always welcome to change the subject.

How much does it cost?

Membership dues are $45 for 6 months. Also, there is a new member fee of $20 +tax that covers the cost of materials for up to 20 speech projects. That's about $1 per speech!

Compare this to the cost of any class. The textbook alone can easily cost more.

What does sexual orientation have to do with public speaking?

Absolutely nothing, and we are thankful that Toastmasters International and District ONE recognizes this. However, it has everything to do with comfort level. Humans are social animals, we want others to be comfortable with us and accept us. LGBT people are no exception. This Toastmasters Club sends a strong message to the community. Yes, YOU are welcome to join us.

I am heterosexual, am I still welcome?

Of course. We welcome everyone 18 and over who is willing and able to participate in the program.

Do you have a mission statement?

All Toastmasters Clubs have the same mission statement:

The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Time, Date, Location?

• What: An LGBTH Toastmasters Club.
• When: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to Noon.
  Please be prompt.
• Where: Long Beach Pride Inc. 1017 Obispo, Long Beach, California.