What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is a weekly meeting of people who are interested in improving their communication skills.  At the meetings, Toastmasters learn communications skills by speaking, listening, and thinking.  Every Toastmaster who attends the meeting speaks at least once during the meeting.

Who are the TORO ProsE Toastmasters?

We are men and women who come from all different departments within Toro, nearby companies, and from the community, which makes our meetings both entertaining and educational.  We laugh with and learn from each other.

Does everyone give a speech?

During each meeting only two or three speeches are scheduled, and they usually last from 5 to 7 minutes.  The rest of the speeches are of the one to two minute varieties, like Table Topics.

What are Table Topics?

Table Topics range from the absurd to the sublime in themes they handle.  Table Topics are assigned to one of the Toastmasters before the meeting, and it becomes his or her task to think up a series of questions to ask those who are not scheduled to speak that day.  Table Topics are 1-2 minute speeches that answer the questions asked.

What are typical Table Topics questions?

You may be asked to speak on your view of local government, or how it feels to ride in the pouch of a kangaroo.  If you don’t know the subject, make up an answer.  The idea behind Table Topics is to teach people to speak off the top of their heads, and to think on their feet.  For that reason, Table Topics is one of the most valuable parts of a Toastmasters meeting.

How do you learn?

Toastmasters learn from each other, primarily from the mistakes they make.  We are not professional speakers; we are “speakers in training.”  Each meeting is highlighted by two or three major speeches.  Each speech is evaluated by one of the audience Toastmasters for its delivery, grammar, voice fluctuations, and overall poise of the speaker.

Are evaluations negative?

An evaluator’s responsibility is to provide an honest reaction to the speaker’s presentation in a constructive manner.  An evaluation is not meant to point out character flaws and weaknesses, but rather to draw to the speaker’s attention those parts of public speaking he or she needs to work on the most.  Most of the Toastmasters sit and nod their heads in agreement because they know they make the same mistakes.  The evaluator also gives encouragement by recognizing the speaker’s strengths.

What else is done besides speaking and evaluating?

Speaking and evaluating are ninety percent of it; the other 10 percent is conducting the business meetings and learning parliamentary procedure, which is an important part of our lives.  The good thing about it is that we have fun while we learn.

What happens at a typical Toastmasters meeting?

The Toastmaster of the day begins the meeting with some opening comments designed to warm up the audience for the following speakers.  Then the speakers are introduced and the purpose of the speech is given.  Then the Table Topics Master begins his or her portion by posing random questions to members, who do not know they will be called upon.  After 3 to 7 Table Topics, a General Evaluator then calls upon members to provide evaluations on the speeches, timing, word usage and number of ahs.  The remaining 5-10 minutes are the business meeting, in which upcoming events or news of importance to members is discussed.

Where do you meet?

Meetings are held at The Toro Company, 8111 Lyndale Ave. So., Bloomington, MN,  on Tuesdays from 12-1 p.m. in Country Club conference room.  We do not meet during holiday weeks.

How do I join?