Membership in Toastmasters International is open to anyone who is 18 years or older.
Here’s how the membership process typically works:
1. Find a Club: Visit the Toastmasters International website and use the “Find a Club” feature to locate a club near you. There are thousands of clubs worldwide, so you should be able to find one in your area.
2. Attend Meetings: Once you’ve identified a club, contact them to express your interest in attending a meeting. Most clubs allow guests to attend a few meetings before deciding to become a member. This gives you an opportunity to see if the club’s culture and meeting format align with your goals.
3. Joining Process: If you decide to become a member, you’ll need to complete a membership application form provided by the club. At Bradford Speaks there is a one-off joining fee of £60 is applicable to all new members. A monthly membership fee of £13.00/month or £78.00 every six months payable by standing order (banking information available on request). Some clubs may also have additional fees for materials or resources.
JOINING THE CLUB IS ONLY PART OF THE PROCESS
‘In very simple terms you follow an online pathway in your own time that prompts you to develop speeches in a particular way, but you get to choose the topic, and our club meetings are where you get to deliver those speeches and receive valuable feedback in a sensitive and friendly environment.’
Philip Cavalier-Lumley, Founding President of Bradford Speaks
4. Pathways Program: Toastmasters International recently introduced the Pathways learning experience, which is a flexible and interactive program designed to help members develop their communication and leadership skills. As a member, you’ll have access online to various educational resources and materials to support your growth.
5. Meeting Participation: Once you become a member, you’ll be expected to actively participate in club meetings. This includes delivering speeches, taking on meeting roles, and providing constructive feedback to other members. Regular attendance and participation are crucial for personal development and progress within the organisation.
6. Leadership Opportunities: Toastmasters also offers leadership development opportunities. Members can take on various club officer roles, such as President, Vice President of Education, or Treasurer, to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to the club’s success.
7. Advancement and Recognition: Toastmasters International provides a structured system of educational achievements. As you complete speeches and other projects, you’ll progress through different levels and earn recognition for your accomplishments. This includes receiving certificates, pins, and badges.
Remember, Toastmasters is a self-paced program, allowing you to work on your communication and leadership skills at your own pace. It’s a supportive and encouraging environment where members learn from each other through constructive feedback and practice.
Guests – Non-members
Guests visiting our club can spectate and/or be involved in the Table Topics section of our meeting. A guest cannot take on a role in running the meeting nor can they deliver a prepared speech, these are reserved for members only.
Guests can visit our club meetings up to three times free of charge. Thereafter, a small contribution of £5 per meeting is required towards the running costs unless you become a fully-paid member.